Why are Sea Turtles Endangered?

Photo from Projeto Tamar Brazil Image Bank of Sea Turtles being captured on fishing line 

In the past I've written about how animals in general are becoming extinct at an alarming rate.  Today I want to talk more about sea turtles specifically.  You may be wondering how our actions effect an animal like a sea turtle, or what can be done, if anything, to help the situation?

It is estimated that sea turtles have been on the earth for over 100 million years.  That means these were alive for millions of years before dinosaurs became extinct.  This reptile has been through a lot, and it is amazing to think that every species is now endangered.  This of course did not just happen naturally.  Sea turtles were once abundant on the earth, so why have they become endangered?

According to the World Conservation Union, there are five hazards that are killing these sea turtles.

-Fisheries:  Even small fisheries have a big impact on sea turtles.  Thousands of them are caught and killed on accident from nets and fishing lines.  Sea turtles still need air, and sometimes they will simply drown in a net before being brought up with other fish.  

-Direct Take:  Many times the sea turtles' death is no accident at all.  They have been a popular meat in the past and are killed to make food, leather, oil and use of their shells.  

-Coastal Development:  Sea turtles nest close to the shoreline, and as coasts around the world have been developed, their habitat is made worse.  Many nesting eggs are killed because of this.

Pollution:  Every time someone throws their garbage in to the ocean, they are having an effect on all the animals that live there.  Not only garbage, but pollution such as BP's oil spill of course have a great effect on animals like the sea turtle.

Climate Change: More natural disasters caused by climate change can destroy hatchlings of these and other animals.  

This is a serious problem.  The good news is, we know how to fix it.  Organizations are already in place to help prevent this from becoming a bigger problem.  If you want to help, you don't have to reinvent the wheel, you simply need to act.  If you want to have a bigger effect, the resources are there for you to do it.  For those who really want to make a big impact, you can see my previous blog that talks about going on an eco-tour.  For those who don't have time to go on a tour, it is easy to donate to such a cause on their website.  For those who don't feel they can afford to give extra money, there are several easy ways to help next time you go to the beach.  I believe people usually don't have bad intentions, but most the time simply need to be informed so they can do the right thing.  Here are some suggestions from the US Fish and Wildlife Service you can do to help:

Don't make beach fires.  Sea turtles are attracted to the light and will sometimes crawl into the fire and die. 

Throw away your garbage! Don't be the one who lets their garbage out in the ocean.  Turtles may get caught in plastics, or think other plastics are food.  It can get stuck in their digestive system and kill them.

If you see a sea turtle or its tracks, leave them alone.  Bothering the turtles may prevent them from nesting, and tracks are used by researchers to find and protect nests that have already been made.

If you have a party, avoid using helium balloons that you let free.  This will end up in the ocean and can also be mistaken as food. 

Take any chairs, umbrellas or other gear with you.  When these are left over night, they create obstacles for the sea turtles and many times hatchlings or baby turtles will not make it to the ocean.

No matter what your situation is, you can help the cause so we don't see the extinction of these wonderful reptiles.  Make sure you do your part, however big you feel you can!