Posted by admin | 10.04.2017 | Conservation, Marine Science, Turtle Talk

Simple Things You Can Do to Help Sea Turtles – Part 1

Sea turtles have existed in the world’s oceans for millions of years.

Sadly, these ancient reptiles are in danger of extinction due to harvesting, coastal development, capture in fishing gear, habitat destruction and marine pollution.

You can help sea turtles by learning about them.

Facts

All sea turtle species are endangered or threatened worldwide and need global protection.

Turtles are obligate air breathers, meaning they need to breathe air just like people. This means they drown if they cannot reach the surface.

Marine debris can be very dangerous, especially plastic bags, because sea turtles mistake them for their favorite food: jellies. Most trash in the ocean actually originates from a land source.

Interactions with fisheries and fishing equipment are one of the greatest threats to sea turtles. Entanglement in nets or lines, accidental capture and ingestion of fishing hooks all pose serious obstacles to all sea turtles.

In some parts of the world harvesting of eggs and adult turtles still happens.

Turtles return to the same breeding area year after year to reproduce; if a nesting area is destroyed, turtles may never return.

Stay tuned for Part II and learn more about these incredible creatures and our conservation efforts here.