Why Turtles?
Do you remember the first time you saw a sea turtle? For me, it was an experience that has stayed with me ever since. Growing up in Sweden, my encounters with marine life were limited to local species—plenty of fish and more jellyfish than one might wish for. Yet, these elusive creatures with shells for bodies captured my imagination from a young age. I had a pet freshwater turtle named Sköldis, and my favorite character on the popular Swedish kids' show "Bamse" was Skalman (which translates to Shellman), a turtle with just about everything inside his shell.
It wasn't until I was 17 and spent a year as a high school exchange student in Australia that I finally saw a sea turtle in the wild. While diving on the Great Barrier Reef, I had my first encounter with these magnificent animals. Fast forward nearly 30 years and a career as a marine biologist, and I am still just as thrilled each time I spot a sea turtle, whether in the ocean or on land during their nesting season.
The Allure of Sea Turtles
What is it about sea turtles that captivate our imagination? For starters, they've been around since the time of the dinosaurs! They can live up to 100 years and migrate over 10,000 miles annually. They can hold their breath for several hours but must come ashore to lay their eggs, creating a unique connection between the land and the sea.
Beyond their fascinating biology, sea turtles are considered keystone species. This means they play a crucial role in their ecosystems, significantly influencing the environment and its other inhabitants. Removing a keystone species can disrupt the natural balance, impacting wildlife and plant life. Sea turtles contribute to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, vital for supporting commercially valuable species such as shrimp, lobster, and tuna. Their hatchlings provide an essential food source for many animals, and sea turtles help regulate their prey populations. For instance, leatherbacks control jellyfish populations, while hawksbills maintain reef health by consuming sponges that compete for space. Additionally, turtle nesting plays a crucial role in beach ecosystems, with nutrients from eggs and hatchlings nourishing coastal vegetation and supporting the overall health of beach habitats.
Threats to Sea Turtles
Despite their importance, sea turtles face significant threats worldwide. Six of the seven species are classified as threatened or endangered due to human activities, including:
Entanglement in Fishing Gear: Many sea turtles drown after getting caught in fishing nets and lines.
Consumption and Illegal Trade: Turtle eggs and meat are consumed in some cultures, and their shells are used to make souvenirs.
Coastal Development: Habitat loss from coastal development disrupts nesting sites.
Plastic and Marine Debris: Turtles often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement.
Global Warming: Climate change affects sand temperatures at nesting sites, which can skew sex ratios of hatchlings.
Turtle Shell Trade: Hawksbill turtles are particularly targeted for their beautiful shells.
In Nayarit, Mexico, where our Sea Turtle Conservation Expedition is based, turtle nests and hatchlings are particularly threatened by development and predation by domesticated dogs.
The Importance of Conservation
Taking proactive measures to safeguard sea turtles is crucial for preserving these species and their associated habitats. Key priorities include:
Cracking Down on Illegal Trade: Enforcing international regulations to stop the illegal trade of sea turtle products.
Using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Implementing devices in commercial fishing nets to reduce turtle bycatch.
Protecting Nesting Beaches: Establishing protected areas to safeguard nesting sites from development and disturbances.
Public Education: Raising awareness about the importance of sea turtles and how to protect them.
Reducing Pollution: Enforcing laws to minimize ocean pollution and conducting ongoing research and monitoring.
Community Engagement: Enhancing public awareness and involvement in conservation efforts.
If you're passionate about sea turtle conservation, consider joining our upcoming expedition in Mexico. By participating, you can help protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, ensuring these incredible creatures continue to swim in our oceans for generations to come.
Sea turtles are more than just enchanting marine reptiles—they are vital to the health of our ocean ecosystems!
