Sea turtles’ origins date back to over 100 million years ago during Mesozoic times, and they evolved oceans around the world, being able to travel long distances between beach colonies and food sources. Today, there are seven species, including the loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles. For many centuries, sea turtles have played important roles in ecosystems around the ocean and in the coastal environments until human activity changed their survival rate.
Sea turtles were led to endangerment in the 20th century, things like over harvesting were widespread. Turtles were hunted for their meat, shells, and eggs, especially the hawksbill turtles, which were heavily targeted for their shells, used to make jewelry and ornaments. Another reason why endangerment was especially prominent during the 20th century was due to coastal development such as destroying nesting beaches. Light pollution from buildings also played a big role in endangerment as they disoriented baby turtles and led them away from oceans which harmed their survival. Plastic waste in the ocean is often mistaken for food by turtles which can lead to starvation and strangulation.
Resolution after the recognition of endangerment levels took the world by storm through boycotting and public protests publicized on social media and the internet. This led to international laws banning turtle hunting and collection, as well as the use of turtle excluder devices or TED’s in fishing nets. Although sea turtles remain endangered, these efforts have helped many species recover from significant loss. This is good for the global environment because sea turtles are a keystone species, meaning they help keep ecosystems healthy.
One food source for sea turtles is sea-grass. As they graze on sea-grass, they keep it short, which supports fish populations and improves water quality. This also combats climate change because it captures carbon. Balancing coral reefs and helping regulate jellyfish populations are also some of the most important jobs of sea turtles in the environment. Overall, sea turtles survival is crucial, but due to human actions, it has been significantly destroyed and even led to endangerment. Global conservation efforts have helped begin recovery, and this has greatly helped sea turtles preserve ocean ecosystems.
