Sea turtles can become contaminated when they rise to the surface to breathe and find themselves in the midst of an oil slick.

In the breeding season females may become oiled when they arrive in the contaminated area or when they come ashore to lay eggs. Juveniles may become trapped in oil when they head for the sea after hatching.

Although there is little statistical data on the effects of oil pollution on sea turtles, they are subject to the following impacts:

• Poisoning by absorption of toxic components through the skin or ingestion of contaminated food, leading to damage to the digestive tract and other organs
• Damage or irritation to airways, lungs, and eyes
• Contamination of eggs, which may inhibit their development.