Saving Sea Turtles
Sea turtles can mistake plastic for food. According to the World Wildlife Fund, sharp plastics can rupture internal organs and bags can cause intestinal blockages leaving turtles unable to feed, resulting in starvation. Even if they survive, consuming plastic can make turtles unnaturally buoyant, which can stunt their growth and lead to slow reproduction rates.
By Andrew L. and George F.
The sea turtle population is decreasing rapidly, according to the Olive Ridley project. Only a year ago in 2020, there were 6.35 million sea turtles but now in 2021, there are only 1.33 million left. This big decrease is mainly because of pollution in the ocean.
When someone throws trash off a boat or leaves plastic on a beach, it can end up in the ocean. Turtles think the plastic is food and eat it, which can kill them. Also, according to National Geographic, the US generates more plastic trash than any other nation. This means that Americans should work especially hard to save the turtles by reducing their plastic trash.
People should help save the turtles because it is not a lot of work. Things people can do are recycle and reuse plastic items. People can also buy reusable bags, metal water bottles, and metal straws which can be infinitely used. This is what the Texas Facilities Commission says about recycling, "It's easy. All you have to do is put your recyclable material in the blue or gray recycle bins. The custodians collect the items separately from the trash and place it in designated recycle containers.” Reducing trash and recycling are ways to help save the turtles. We all need to do our part.
Humans need to take care of turtles because turtles also help the environment. It's like a big circle. Sea turtles are ocean cleaners. They graze on seagrass, which keeps the seagrass beds healthy. In turn, the seagrass benefits many species and stores carbon.
Sea turtles are also an important part of the food chain. Hatchlings are a source of food for many animals. Birds, fish, mammals like raccoons and others rely on plentiful hatchlings to survive, according to SeeTurtles.org, a conservation group.
Lastly, sea turtles are very fun to see in person. Let's work together to protect them.
How you can make an IMP∆CT:
Reduce marine debris that may entangle or be accidentally eaten by sea turtles.
Participate in coastal clean-ups and reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and ocean clean. Trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles and other creatures that live there.
Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Refrain from releasing balloons, they'll likely end up in the ocean where sea turtles can mistake them for prey and consume them.
Keep nesting beaches dark and safe for sea turtles. Turn off, shield, or redirect lights visible from the beach. Lights disorient hatchling sea turtles and discourage nesting females from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs.
Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings. Attend organized sea turtle watches that know how to safely observe nesting sea turtles.
Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, boats at night so sea turtles are not turned away.
Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before you leave the beach. They can become obstacles for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries
