What is Happening to Sea Turtles?

                    

Sea turtles have been living on planet Earth since the time of the dinosaurs. They once roamed the oceans by the millions. However, decreases in sea turtle numbers are now being reported throughout the world. Human impacts are responsible for the rapid decline of sea turtle populations in recent years.

There are seven different species of sea turtles. Green, hawksbill, kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and the olive ridley can be found throughout the ocean. The seventh species, the flatback, lives only in Australia. All species are listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species as either "endangered" or "critically endangered.

Turtles are pretty amazing! After years of traveling throughout the ocean, they return to the nesting grounds where they were born to lay their eggs. Some species will travel more than 1000 miles.

Sea turtles are very important to ocean ecosystems. As they decline, the health of the world’s ocean is affected. It is up to us, as human beings, to protect the ocean environment and help conserve our oceans and stabilize sea turtle populations.

What are some causes of the decrease in sea turtle population?

-Building of sea walls, breakwaters and sea defenses.
-Fishing industry.
-Demand for sea turtle meat, eggs, shell, leather and oil
-Children releasing turtle hatchlings into the sea during day.
-Pollution and trash in the oceans.
-Turtle hatchings being eaten by birds, crabs, raccoons and foxes.

What can you do, as an individual, to help protect the turtles?

1, Turn out lights visible from the beach, or shield, redirect and lower the intensity of the lights on your property. Sea turtle hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night. Artificial lighting confuses the hatchlings and causes them to head inland instead of out to sea. This puts them in dangerous situations which can lead to death. Artificial lights also discourage adult females from nesting on the beach.

2, Reduce the amount of garbage you produce and clean up trash on the beach. Sea turtles can confuse some discarded items for food or they can become tangled in plastic and trash, both on the shore and in the water.

3, Avoid sea turtle nesting areas and do not disturb nesting and hatching turtles. Flashlights and people disturb turtles when they are nesting, or trying to nest, on the beach.

4, Reduce the Amount of Chemicals You Use.
The chemicals you use can actually wash into the coastal waters, killing plants and animals. It is very important to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and, even better, use biodegradable solutions.

5, Volunteer and be active.
There are many ways in which you can make a positive difference in the lives of sea turtles. For example, you can organize a clean-up day with your friends and clear your beach of litter.