Over the last 200 years, human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of sea turtles — the population of almost all species are decreasing, with two of the existing seven species being classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
THREATS TO SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL
BYCATCH
Every year, hundreds of thousands of sea turtles worldwide are accidentally caught by commercial fishing and drowned as entangled in fishing gear.
HABITAT LOST
Development along coastlines is destroying nesting beaches, making it harder for female turtles to lay their eggs. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, and increase the number, and the intensity, of storms. This can damage and destroy nesting beaches.
POACHING
Sea turtles are poached for their meat and shells, and nests are raided for eggs, which are seen as a delicacy in some cultures.
PLASTIC POLLUTION
Sea turtles mistake floating plastic as food and eat them. Sharp plastics can rupture their internal organs and bags can cause intestinal blockages leaving them unable to feed, resulting in starvation.
We need your support to help sea turtle to survive.
BECOME A TURTLE PROTECTOR NOWWHY PROTECT TURTLES?
Sea turtles play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. They graze on seagrasses and coral and keep them healthy. They also spread nutrients across the sea and on nesting beaches, improving the health and resilience of seagrass beds and dune ecosystems. A healthy and productive marine ecosystem is important for the fishery industry and the human food security.
