How to Help the Sea Turtles in Everyday Life

“Protect/save the sea turtles!” is a common rallying cry for environmentalists, marine biologists, oceanographers, and others deeply interested in the welfare of these beautiful reptiles. Sea turtles provide much more than just amazing glimpses of wildlife, though. They occupy an important space within the coastal ecosystem and watery food chain. 

It is true that three of the seven species of sea turtles are classified as endangered—the Green, Hawksbill, and Kemp’s Ridley species. The two latter species are classified as critically endangered. Human actions are largely to blame for the turtles’ precarious positions, unfortunately, but there ARE actions you can take to help reverse the troubling trends.

Why Should We Care about Sea Turtles? 

Like many animals, sea turtles are important for a sense of balance in the wild—the circle of life, if you will. They help control populations of their prey, including jellyfish, sea sponges, algae, fish, and also other beings. Sea turtle eggshells and other organic matter left behind in nests can also help sand dune grasses and other coastal vegetation thrive.

On the other side of the coin, eggs and hatchlings are important food sources for beach-dwelling raccoons, birds, crabs, as well as certain species of fish. A decrease in the number of sea turtles can cause major disruptions to the food chain, which often have reverberating effects. For these reasons and more, sea turtles are considered a keystone species in many contexts.

Before diving into the major threats to sea turtles, it’s worth knowing some key facts about the world’s seven species:

1. Leatherback turtle. Perhaps the most well-known species of sea turtle, leatherback turtles are also the largest—an adult can weigh up to one ton. This heavily migratory species primarily eats jellyfish, but it can also dive more than half a mile deep to hunt for squid, sea squirts, salps, and other gelatinous food sources.
2. Flatback turtle. This species is only found in Australia and is fortunate to have an array of legal protections for its habitats. However, flatbacks are not immune to predators such as sharks, crocodiles, foxes, feral dogs, birds, and crabs, among other animals.
3. Loggerhead turtle. Noted for their beautiful rust-colored shells, loggerheads can be found all across the globe. Loggerheads have powerful beaks that allow them to feast on mollusks, clams, as well as crabs. 
4. Olive ridley turtle. These are the most plentiful species of sea turtle. Although not endangered, they are categorized as threatened. They’re somewhat limited in their habitats and mainly relegated to India and Central America. 
5. Kemp’s ridley turtle. The smallest species, kemp’s ridley turtles, are relatively few in number. These omnivores primarily feed near seabeds with warm waters.
6. Green turtle. This endangered species has a unique diet. Hatchlings are carnivores but become herbivores, the only such species. Green turtle eggs are highly sought-after, and the illegality of trading adults does not dissuade many poachers. 
7. Hawksbill turtle. Like the kemp’s ridley turtle, hawksbills are critically endangered. Their ornate, intricate shells can fetch a high price on black markets. They are vital for the maintenance and health of coral reefs, which are disappearing themselves due to climate change.

What Are the Threats to Sea Turtles? 

A handful of adverse conditions have produced the modern threat to sea turtles’ existence. A plethora of statutes in places where turtles gather to hatch exist to minimize harm to the species, but the following threats are more relevant than ever:

Climate Change

As the average temperature rises and melts huge ice sheets at both poles, sea level rise remains a creeping threat to nesting habitats. Higher water temperatures threaten the wellbeing of both sea turtles and their food. The rising temperatures can even cause a disproportionate number of females to hatch. 

Bycatches in Fishing Nets

Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles inadvertently get caught in commercial fishing operations every year. In fact, millions have unfortunately perished this way in the past three decades.

Pollution

We’ve all seen heartbreaking images of sea turtles and other marine creatures tangled in plastic, but that’s only part of the pollution problem. A large percentage of sea turtles have plastics inside them, and oil spills can spell catastrophe for many populations.

Direct Human Meddling

Unfortunately, many humans interfere with sea turtles’ nests and even nab eggs to make all manner of crafts and souvenirs. They also kill many adult sea turtles for food. Some humans don’t realize their actions may be harming sea turtles and their ability to reproduce; artificial lights, beachside construction, and general activity can cause disturbances.

How to Help Save the Sea Turtles

Focusing on these threats to sea turtles can certainly be disheartening, but there is plenty the average person can do. One big way to have a positive impact on the oceans is to limit your use of single-use plastics. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and other common foods. Hemp, bamboo, cork, and other organic materials are usually comparable in utility. If you work at a restaurant or bar, be that person who cuts up the plastic rings after unloading cans and bottles.

We can recycle plastics, but that’s not the only material that can skip the landfill. Depending on where you live, you might be able to recycle:

• Aluminum
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Glass
• Linens
• Various electronic products

Consequently, you can even help sea turtles and other marine life by being discerning about where you go to eat your seafood. Seafood Watch is a resource keeping track of ethical and sustainable fishing companies—and where these products end up. 

How to Spread the Word 

Change starts with one person, and that person can certainly be you. It often begins with a conversation. Friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors as well as anyone else you might regularly come into contact with is worth reaching out to about the plight of sea turtles.

Plenty of existing organizations do great work protecting sea turtles. These charities help in countless ways, from patrolling nesting habitats to rescuing turtles caught in fishing apparatuses. Other organizations conduct vital research as well as advocacy to spread the word.

Our Take on Helping the Sea Turtles  

In summary, the impact of many, many people doing little things to improve our oceans and sea turtle habitats can have huge impacts. If you’re physically able, you can go to a beach cleanup or hand out educational pamphlets at local events. Donating to worthy causes is always helpful, as well. Additionally, you can even symbolically adopt a green sea turtle through the World Wildlife Fund! The possibilities are endless. 

​​Image by Geraldine Dukes from Pixabay