Threats to Sea Turtles

Anybody know why are the number of sea turtles declining over the last 2 decades?
What are the main threats to the survival of these ancient animals?

Please view the following 2 posters produced by Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) and SEATRU (Sea Turtle Research Unit).

At the end of the day, both the posters provide very similar yet concerning issues. Everything seen are actually due to human activities or human development has caused the following

• Poaching (collecting of sea turtles for meat, oil or leather)
• Eggs consumption (demand for turtle eggs as it is a local delicacy)
• Development (disrupt their breeding grounds)
• Sea Pollutions (turtles eat debris in the ocean thinking its food)
• Fisheries activities (innocent turtles get caught in fishing nets)

We as individual can only help to a certain limit on turtle conservation. By not purchasing any turtle based products, we would indirectly lessen the demand for people to capture and sell them. However legislation or laws would need to be implemented to help protect their natural breeding grounds as well as over fishing of sea turtles. International treaty would also need to be in place to protect these sea turtles from being over fished overseas.

You can show your support by signing a pledge not to consume Turtle eggs. The Say “NO” To Turtle Eggs Campaign has been organised by Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) and you can show your support by visiting their page or click here to sign the pledge.


Reference

• www.turtleconservationcentre.org
• www.umt.edu.my/seatru
• Images provided by SEATRU 
• Images provided by Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) (www.turtleconservationcentre.org/resources/educational-posters)
• Wiki page on sea turtles (link) 

[Images have been taken and used with permissions from TCC and SEATRU]