Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are known to be solitary creatures, and they generally prefer to spend their time alone. They are not aggressive and tend to be calm and peaceful animals. However, during the breeding season, male sea turtles can become more territorial and may compete for the attention of a female.
In addition to their physical adaptations, sea turtles also have some unique behaviors. They are known to migrate long distances between their feeding and nesting grounds, and females return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. They also have a special ability to navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field, which helps them find their way across vast stretches of ocean.
Despite their solitary nature, sea turtles are vulnerable to human disturbance and can become stressed when they are exposed to too much activity or noise. It’s important to respect their space and avoid disturbing them while they are resting or nesting.

Most sea turtles breed in warm waters near the equator, such as the beaches of Florida, Costa Rica, and Australia. The gestation period for sea turtles varies by species, but it usually lasts between 6 to 10 weeks.
Sea turtles usually lay their eggs at night, on sandy beaches above the high tide line, where they dig a hole with their flippers and deposit their eggs. Some species return to the same nesting beach where they were born. Once the eggs are laid, the female turtle covers them with sand and returns to the sea. The incubation period for sea turtle eggs is typically around 60 days, and the hatchlings use a specialized tooth called a “caruncle” to break out of their eggshells before emerging from the sand and heading to the ocean. They emerge from the sand all together and head towards the ocean, following the brightest horizon, which is usually the reflected light of the moon over the water. This instinct is known as “imprinting,” and it guides them towards the ocean. Hatchlings face several threats during this journey, including predators such as birds, crabs, and raccoons that prey on the hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Hatchlings can also be disoriented by artificial lights from buildings, which can lead them away from the ocean and towards danger like streets, sidewalks, or parking lots.

Sea turtles face a range of threats in the wild, from natural to human-made, which put their survival at risk. One of the most significant threats is habitat loss, caused by coastal development, climate change, and erosion, which can destroy their nesting sites and food sources. Another significant threat is boat strikes, which can injure or kill sea turtles, especially in areas with high boat traffic. Light pollution is also a danger, as artificial lights from buildings and coastal developments can disorient hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean and can also interfere with nesting behavior. Marine debris, including plastic waste and fishing gear, can entangle or suffocate sea turtles and destroy their habitats. Climate change is also a significant threat, as rising sea levels and temperatures can impact the turtles’ nesting habitats and food sources. Overfishing can reduce the turtles’ food sources, and the accidental capture of Sea Turtles in fishing gear is a significant problem. Lastly, poaching and the illegal trade of sea turtle products, including their meat, shells, and eggs, are also a severe threat to their survival. It’s essential to take measures to address these threats to ensure the continued survival of Sea Turtles, such regulations to reduce boat traffic in critical habitats, reducing light pollution, beach cleanup efforts, and creating protected marine areas.

The population status of sea turtles is a cause for concern, as all seven species are either endangered or critically endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of sea turtles has declined by over 80% in the last century. This decline is due to a range of factors, including habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which have all had a significant impact on sea turtle populations. The loss of sea turtles has had significant ecological and economic consequences, as they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Here are some things you can do to help save the Sea Turtles! Reduce your pollution. Help pick up any trash that you see! This is an easy way to keep dangerous objects away from Sea Turtles so they do not accidentally ingest it. Participate in Beach Clean-ups! These are so important in helping make the beach a safe and desirable place for Sea Turtles and their nests. Also avoid pesticides and fertilizers in your yard. Pesticides and fertilizers drain into lakes and rivers in run off, causing deadly algae blooms, and destroying precious Sea Turtle sea grass beds and other food sources. Practice safe boating. Unsafe boating causes deadly Sea Turtle boat strikes. It is important to follow all boating rules and regulations and follow all posted signs. Wearing polarized sunglasses can help you spot Sea Turtles from boats. Give space and do not feed them! Sea Turtles, just like any other animals, need space and deserve respect. It is important to give the Sea Turtles plenty of space when we are swimming or boating in their habitats. Petting Sea Turtles is not respectful and can make them feel unsafe. Turn off all artificial lights at night while at the beach. Artificial lights disorient newly hatched sea turtles. By working together, we can save all Sea Turtle populations!