Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/sea-turtle-pledge/
Our world’s turtles and tortoises may not survive much longer.
Of the 360 known turtle and tortoise species, 187 are classified as threatened by the IUCN Red List criteria. Of these, 127 are endangered or critically endangered, and could go extinct by the end of the century, Mongabay reports.
Sea turtles could disappear even earlier.
There are currently seven remaining species of sea turtles in our oceans, six of which are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions and lifestyles. Three of the seven species are classified as critically endangered, See Turtles reports.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, the sea turtle population has been in sharp decline over the last 200 years, as humans have slaughtered the animals for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. Sea turtles are also threatened by habitat destruction and being caught up in fishing gear.
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has identified five major hazards to sea turtles:
- Fisheries
- Direct Take
- Coastal Development
- Pollution
- Climate Change
Now that these threats have been identified, conservation practices can help save these species from extinction.
At least six sea turtle populations significantly increased following measures triggered by listing in the Endangered Species Act, such as tailored species management and fishery regulations. An amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1994 further helped sea turtles by changing to how bycatch was regulated.
The amendment enabled the federal authority to place observers on vessels in fisheries reporting frequent sea turtle mortality, and required reporting whenever sea turtles were killed. A scientific study showed these mitigation measures resulted in a 60% reduction of sea turtle bycatch and a 94% reduction in bycatch-caused mortality.
There is still much work to be done to protect sea turtles from extinction. Here are some steps you can take to save these magnificent creatures.
- Refuse turtle or tortoise shell souvenirs.
- Reduce your carbon footprint.
- Avoid buying seafood or choose responsibly caught seafood.
- Cut out plastics.
- Pack it in, pack it out.
- Turn off the lights.
- Don’t let balloons go.
- Be a sunscreen snob.
- Participate in coastal clean-ups.
- Never abandon fishing gear.
The tortoise shell trade is the biggest threat to hawksbill sea turtles, whose shells are used as decorations or turned into products like jewelry and other crafts.
Warming oceans are killing off coral, which is important to the survival of sea turtles. Warm waters also disrupt turtle reproduction patterns and force predators into new areas where they can kill more turtles.
Commercial fishing methods like trawling, longlines, and drift gillnets lead to many turtles being picked up as bycatch, killed and tossed back overboard.
More than 100 million marine animals are estimated to die each year as a result of ingesting or getting entangled in plastic. Avoid using disposable plastic bags, bottles, and straws whenever you can.
When visiting a beach where turtles nest, make sure to clean up any trash left behind, and clear any obstacles that may become hazards for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
Sea turtles prefer to do their nesting in darkness. Intrusive light from new developments not only discourage female turtles from nesting in their traditional spots, but can confuse hatchlings as they attempt to make their way to the ocean.
Even from hundreds of miles away, a helium balloon can still find its way to the sea. There, sea turtles often mistake deflated balloons for jellyfish, eat them and die.
The chemicals in your sunscreen, particularly “oxybenzone,” can damage coral reefs and pollute turtle habitat. Look for brands labeled as “Reef Friendly” and avoid polluting the sand where turtles nest when you apply it at the beach.
Trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles and other creatures that live there. Keep the beach clean and help turtles thrive!
Hooks, lines, or nets left in the water can entangle and kill sea turtles. Don’t leave these things behind where they can wash into the ocean.
Take the Sea Turtle Pledge and show your support!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
