3.10 Marine Species
3.10.7.2 Marine Threats Tese threats are water related and may impact sea turtles, fsh species, and marine mammals. • Vessel interactions (including collisions) —Propeller and collision injuries are a signif- cant threat, especially to marine mammals and sea turtles. Tese types of injuries are reported at higher frequencies in areas that have heavy boat and vessel trafc. • Oil and gas exploration —Oil spills have been shown to impact respiration, blood chem- istry, and salt-gland function in sea turtles. Spills in the vicinity of nesting beaches can place nesting adults, eggs, and hatchlings at signifcant risk. Oil deposits on the ocean foor can reduce food sources for all marine species and result in ingestion of tar balls. In addition to sufering efects from spills, sea turtles and other marine species can be negatively impacted by seismic surveys, operational discharge containing heavy metals, explosive platform removal (mentioned below), platform lighting, and noise from drill ships and production activities. • Dredging —Dredging can result in direct destruction or degradation of habitat and/or incidental take of marine species. Channelization of inshore and nearshore habitats can result in the disposal of dredge material on beaches and shallow habitats, impact- ing nesting success or foraging grounds. • Pollution —Pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals have been detected in marine species, though levels that result in adverse efects are difcult to quantify. • Fisheries —Bycatch of marine organisms occurs in a number of diferent fsheries, including trawl, purse seine, hook and line, gill net, pound net, long-line, and trap fsh- eries. Tese interactions often lead to serious injury or death.
• Power plant entrainment —Saltwater cooling intake systems at coastal power plants have been reported to entrap marine species.
• Underwater explosions —Use of underwater explosives to remove abandoned oil plat- forms, for military activities, or for oil exploration can result in injury or death to marine species in the vicinity of the explosion. • Entanglement —Marine species can become entangled in a variety of materials other than active fshing gear, including steel or monoflament line, synthetic or natural rope, or discarded plastic material, often resulting in injuries which can lead to weakened individuals who are more susceptible to death by other factors, or to direct mortalities.
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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