Question

Discuss at least 3 of the causes that have led to all the sea turtles being listed as endangered species. Your discussion should include the reasons why sea turtles are in decline, as well as steps being taken to help sea turtles recover from the cause

Answer 1

ANSWER WITH EXPLANATIONS

Sea Turtles

• Habitat - Found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters.

• Cold-blooded – need warmer waters.
• Evolved about 200 million years ago.
• Sea Turtles – in general, are of 8 species. E.g.. - Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Leatherback (largest), Flatback, Pacific Black, Olive Ridley etc.
• All species of sea turtles are included under the endangered or threatened list of animals.Ex: Kemp’s Ridley – is the most endangered species among the sea turtles. The number of this species was 42,000 in 1947 but has only 400 - 500 today.

Common threats for the existence of sea turtles include

• Predation by humans, raccoons, dogs, birds, fish, etc including the hatchlings, adults and eggs.
• Destruction of nesting habitat due to the development purposes, through beach erosion and as well as compacting beach sediments by cars.
• By drowning in fishing nets, long lines.
• By choking on floatable debris like plastic bags.
• Artificial lighting can disorient the hatchlings.
• Hit by boats.
• Hunting for shells for making jewellery etc.

So from the above-listed reasons we can understand it is due to the human activities without care contributes largely to the decline of the population of sea turtles.

The Bullying of Sea Turtles

• From the above-listed reasons we can say that turtles are the victims of humans who bully them for several reasons.
• Due to these reasons many turtles have become extinct or endangered especially due to humans hunting and capturing them.
• Their habitats are being destroyed by human bullies who disrespect them and litter on beaches.
• These people dump excess oil & waste in their swimming waters resulting in the deposition of toxic wastes and poison them.
• Some people, who fish, do not care if turtles become trapped in their nets or are injured by large fish hooks. Also, some take turtle eggs from nests to eat them.

So this is how the careless activities of human badly affect the population and life cycle of sea turtles.

How Global Warming can affect Sea Turtles?

                                 Global warming results in the heating up of earth thereby leading warmer temperatures. The specialty of sea turtles is that the temperature at which the baby turtle is born determines their gender, so if temperatures continue to increase like these only females will be born. This implies that there won’t be any new baby male turtles. So there is a possibility for the extinction of sea turtles.

But as we discussed earlier regarding the human activities we can't generalize the whole human beings; for every bully in the world, some humans try to rescue and save these turtles. They are heroes who protect turtles from bullies so turtles can live free.

What are the measures we can adopt for saving Sea Turtles?

• We can become a conscious as well as responsible seafood consumer by asking where and how our seafood is been caught and choose suitable seafood caught in ways that do not harm or kill turtles.
• Contact the related authorities or the local sea turtle stranding network if you see a sick or injured sea turtle.
• Support the sea turtle conservation team by getting involved in their activities and support these actions that help sea turtles.

How to protect Sea Turtle's habitat?

Protecting the sea turtle habitat is as important as protecting the sea turtle itself, as a change in habits have a large influence in their population.

• Reduce the marine debris that can entangle or be accidentally eaten by sea turtles.
• Participate in coastal clean-ups programmes & reduce plastic use to keep the beaches and ocean clean. Litter or trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles & other creatures that live there.
• Always try to carry reusable water bottles & shopping bags (biodegradable ones). Refrain from releasing balloons, which likely end up in the ocean where sea turtles can mistake them for prey & consume them.
• Keep the nesting beaches dark and safe for the sea turtles. Turn off the shield, or redirect lights visible from the beach as these lights can disorient the hatchling sea turtles & leads to the discouragement of nesting females from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs.
• Don’t disturb nesting turtles, nests or hatchlings. Attend organized sea turtle watches or sessions that create an awareness on how to safely observe nesting sea turtles.
• Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, boats at night so that sea turtles will not turn away.
• Fill the holes and knockdown sandcastles before leaving the beach as they can be a hurdle or obstacle for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings.

Promote Sea Turtle Friendly Fishing & Boating Tips

The first important step is to keep in mind the slogan “Go Slow: Sea Turtles Below”. We know that Sea turtles are commonly found in oceans, bays, sounds & nearshore waters and they have to come up to the surface for air. Under these circumstances, they can be difficult to see. Boat strikes are very serious threats to sea turtles, so have to slow down and steer around them.

To avoid injury:

• Watch for sea turtles in the water carefully. Give them at least or nearly 50 yards of space. When you see them closer put your engine in neutral to avoid injury.
• Also, watch for schools of small fish or jellyfish, there are chances that sea turtles will be nearby.
• Use polarized sunglasses that help to see animals in the water more clearly.
• Never abandon the fishing gear, Hooks, lines or nets in the water; as they can entangle and kill sea turtles.

By keeping all these protective measures in mind we can gradually help the sea turtles from the verge of extinction and can increase the population to the desired level.