Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles: Rare Survivors of the Ocean

Sea turtles, also known as marine turtles, are ancient reptiles that have roamed the oceans for millions of years. There are seven species: flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and olive ridley.

Despite their resilience, sea turtles face immense challenges. It’s estimated that only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood, making conservation efforts critical to protecting these incredible creatures and their fragile ocean habitats.

Sea Turtles: Ancient Mariners at Risk

Seven species of sea turtles roam the world’s oceans, from seagrass beds in the Indian Ocean to the coral reefs of the Pacific. While they come ashore to nest or bask, they spend most of their lives at sea.

For over 200 years, human activities have put these ancient creatures at risk. Poaching, habitat destruction, accidental capture in fishing gear, and climate change threaten their survival. Rising sand temperatures even impact hatchlings by altering their sex ratios.

Today, three sea turtle species are endangered, with two critically endangered. Protecting them is crucial to preserving the health of our oceans.

Sea Turtles: Ocean Wanderers in Danger

Sea turtles travel thousands of miles between land and sea, taking decades to mature. When ready to reproduce, they return to their birth beaches to lay hundreds of eggs yet only a few hatchlings survive their first year.

Beyond natural challenges, human threats like by catch in fishing gear, illegal trade, consumption, and climate change put sea turtles at even greater risk. Protecting these ancient mariners is essential to ensuring their survival for future generations.

Threats to Sea Turtles

Overharvesting & Illegal Trade

Sea turtles are still hunted for their meat, eggs, and shells, despite international protections under CITES. Tens of thousands are lost each year, devastating endangered green and hawksbill populations. Advances in online trade have made illegal trafficking easier, further threatening these species.

Habitat Loss

Coastal development, vehicle traffic, and artificial lights disrupt nesting beaches. Lights disorient hatchlings, while compacted sand makes it harder for females to dig nests. Coral reefs and seagrass beds, vital feeding grounds, are also being destroyed by pollution and land clearing.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures affect turtle sex ratios, leading to fewer males. Warmer seas, stronger storms, and rising sea levels also destroy nesting beaches and foraging areas, putting even more pressure on populations.

Pollution

Sea turtles often mistake plastic for jellyfish, leading to choking or death. Ghost fishing gear entangles turtles, preventing them from swimming or feeding. Trash on beaches traps hatchlings, and oil spills poison turtles of all ages.

Protecting sea turtles from these threats is crucial to ensuring their survival for future generations.

OUR PLEDGE

At our store, we celebrate these majestic animals while raising awareness about their conservation. Every purchase helps spread the message and support efforts to protect gorillas for future generations.