But the news isn't all bad. Populations of some fish and marine mammals such as gray whales are rebounding. And beach cleanups are making a difference nationwide. Researchers believe that pollution may be linked to the fastest growing threat to sea turtles - a disease called fibropapilloma. Papillomas are tumors that grow on the turtles' fleshy parts.
Green turtles seem to be most vulnerable.
The tumors have direct and indirect consequences. They may grow over the eyes and jaw, making it impossible for the turtle to hunt and feed. They may restrict movement, making swimming difficult and tiring. Also, cleaner fish like saddleback wrasse and whitespotted tobies inflict painful bites directly on the tumors, apparently eating the parasites in them. Eventually the turtle becomes covered with algae and other parasites, slowing it and weakening it.