Save the Turtles

Six of the seven species of marine turtles are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Even though the turtles are able to reproduce abundantly, few offspring survive because of natural predators and human interference. By disturbing nesting beaches and harvesting turtle eggs, human make it even more difficult for young turtles to live past their first year.

Those eggs that are not taken by humans nor damaged in any other way finally hatch. However, the hatchlings still have a long and dangeroud journey in front of them. They must leave the nesting ground and make their way back to the sea. On the way they may encounter natural predators such as birds, crabs, and foxes. There is a naturally low survival rate for these young turtles, and it is pushed even lower if humans interfere.

Another critial problem is that, even when turtles are able to lay hundred of eggs in one nesting season; it takes them decades to reach maturity. Turtles need to survive many years in order to be able to reproduce, but fishing nets and pollution are the causes of high mortality rates of these creatures. Turtles get caught on fishing nets, while others mistake plastic bags for food.

Finally, habitat destruction also threatens marine turtles. Many female return to their nesting sites only to find humans have built around the sea. Also, the lighting on beaches may confuse newborn turtles, making them head towards land instead of water.

So now you know the hard life marine turtles have to go through. Surviving is hard enough for them without us, humans, making it worse. Next time, don't use a plastic bag, instead bring your own reusable and eco-friendly bag. Also, if you are on vacation in a turtle territory, avoid polluting the beach and if it is nesting season, don't walk on the beach at night and don't disturb the females or their nests. Finally, spread the news around and let everyone know about the danger marine turtles are in.

Ada Bersoza