Protecting Green Sea Turtles: Human Actions, Positive Impact

Green sea turtles are an endangered species that have existed for over 100 million years. They are graceful swimmers, migrating hundreds of miles between feeding grounds and the beaches where they hatched. They are one of the few animals that eat seagrass, maintaining the health of seagrass beds, which provide food and shelter for many marine species. Unfortunately, human activities such as overfishing, coastal development, and pollution are causing a decline in their population. To help green sea turtles, it is essential to address these issues. This includes reducing marine debris, supporting conservation efforts, and making sustainable seafood choices. By taking action, we can ensure the survival of these ancient and graceful creatures and maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Reduce plastic use and pollution to protect turtles from ingestion and entanglement

Plastic pollution is a massive threat to green sea turtles and other marine species. Every year, an estimated 5–13 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans. When plastics degrade, they break down into microplastics, which, like regular plastics, do not biodegrade. As a result, plastic is expected to outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050.

Green sea turtles are affected by plastic at every stage of their life. As hatchlings, they crawl through plastic on their way to the ocean, and as adults, they crawl back through it to lay their eggs. In the ocean, they swim through plastic waste while migrating and can easily mistake plastic for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods. They can also get entangled in plastic waste such as discarded fishing gear or six-pack rings.

To protect green sea turtles from ingestion and entanglement, it is essential to reduce plastic use and pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: The most effective way to reduce plastic pollution is to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Instead of plastic bags, opt for reusable shopping bags. Avoid using plastic straws, disposable utensils, and other single-use plastic items. Properly dispose of any plastic waste and recycle whenever possible.
• Participate in Cleanups: Get involved in coastal cleanups to help remove plastic and other debris from beaches and the ocean. Keep your local beach clean and free of trash to ensure a safe environment for sea turtles.
• Avoid Releasing Balloons: Mylar balloons can travel long distances and end up in the ocean, where sea turtles may mistake them for jellyfish and ingest them. Choose alternative ways to celebrate without releasing balloons, as they can cause harm to sea turtles and other marine life.
• Support Sea Turtle Conservation: Get involved with local sea turtle conservation efforts or organizations working to protect sea turtles. Support programs that focus on reducing plastic pollution and rehabilitating turtles affected by plastic ingestion or entanglement.
• Educate and Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles and the environment. Educate others about the importance of reducing plastic use and proper waste disposal. Share information about the solutions and alternatives to single-use plastics.

By taking these actions, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution that endangers green sea turtles. It is crucial to work together to protect these ancient creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.

Support conservation efforts and local communities to reduce turtle harvesting and poaching

Green sea turtles are hunted for their distinctive green fat and muscle, which are used in soups and steaks, and their eggs. They are also threatened by overharvesting of their eggs, hunting of adults, being caught in fishing gear, and loss of nesting beach sites.

To reduce turtle harvesting and poaching, it is important to support conservation efforts and local communities. Here are some ways to do that:

• Support alternative livelihoods: Exploitation of turtles is often driven by a lack of economic alternatives. Supporting local communities in developing alternative, sustainable livelihoods can reduce their dependence on turtle products for income. For example, providing training and resources to help locals develop skills and businesses in sectors like ecotourism, sustainable fishing, or artisanal crafts can reduce the economic need to hunt turtles.
• Promote the value of live turtles: Supporting programs that raise awareness about the value of live sea turtles can help reduce harvesting and poaching. This includes highlighting the ecological, scientific, and tourism value of sea turtles, as well as promoting sustainable practices and the importance of conservation.
• Address illegal trade: Working with local communities and law enforcement to stop the illegal trade of turtle products is crucial. This includes training and equipping local rangers or community members to patrol nesting beaches, monitor turtle movements, and protect against poaching. Additionally, supporting global initiatives like the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online can help address the online trade of turtle products.
• Establish protected areas: Supporting the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) ensures that sea turtles have safe places to nest, feed, and migrate freely. Collaborating with governments, local communities, and conservation organizations to secure and monitor these areas can provide a safe haven for green sea turtles.
• Promote sustainable fishing practices: Incidental capture by fishing gear is a significant threat to green sea turtles. Supporting the adoption of more sustainable fishing practices, such as using "circle" hooks, can help reduce the number of turtles caught as bycatch. Additionally, advocating for the use of turtle excluder devices in nets can help turtles escape from fishing gear.
• Community engagement and education: Involving local communities in conservation efforts and providing education about the importance of protecting sea turtles can foster a sense of stewardship. This includes raising awareness about the negative impacts of poaching and illegal trade, as well as providing alternative income opportunities through conservation-focused initiatives.

By addressing these areas, humans can play a crucial role in reducing turtle harvesting and poaching, thereby supporting the conservation and recovery of green sea turtle populations.

Choose seafood carefully, avoiding unsustainable and harmful fishing practices

Green sea turtles are classified as endangered, and one of the biggest threats to their survival is unsustainable fishing practices. By choosing seafood carefully, you can help protect these graceful creatures and ensure their long-term survival. Here are some detailed tips to choose seafood carefully and avoid harmful fishing practices that impact green sea turtles:

Understand the threats to green sea turtles:

Green sea turtles face various threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, bycatch in commercial fishing operations, and the loss of nesting beach sites due to coastal development. By understanding these threats, you can make more informed choices when selecting seafood.

Choose sustainable and responsibly caught seafood:

Opt for seafood that has been caught using sustainable practices that minimise harm to sea turtles and their habitats. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, which indicates that the seafood has been sourced sustainably. You can also refer to online resources such as Seafood Watch, which provides information about sustainable seafood choices and is available as a mobile application.

Avoid seafood associated with harmful practices:

Some fishing methods, such as trawling, longlines, and drift gillnets, can be particularly detrimental to sea turtles. Avoid seafood that has been caught using these methods. Instead, support fisheries that use turtle-friendly fishing hooks, such as "circle" hooks, which have been shown to reduce turtle bycatch significantly.

Stay informed and educate others:

Keep yourself informed about fisheries issues and advocate for better regulations that protect sea turtles and the marine environment. Vote for elected officials who prioritise ocean stewardship. Additionally, educate your friends, family, and community about the impact of their seafood choices. Encourage them to choose sustainable and responsibly caught seafood, and teach them how to identify and avoid seafood associated with harmful practices.

Support conservation efforts:

Consider supporting organisations dedicated to sea turtle conservation, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and local sea turtle stranding networks. These organisations work to protect sea turtles, preserve their habitats, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring the long-term survival of green sea turtles.

Keep beaches clean and dark, removing obstacles for nesting turtles and hatchlings

Humans can help protect green sea turtles by keeping beaches clean and dark, removing obstacles for nesting turtles and hatchlings.

Beachgoers should dispose of their trash properly and fill in any holes they dig in the sand. Trash and holes can entangle turtles, and holes can trap them. Food scraps in the trash can attract predators such as raccoons and crows, which prey on sea turtle hatchlings. Beachgoers should also remove beach toys, furniture, and boats from the beach before sunset. These obstacles can prevent sea turtles from nesting and can prevent hatchlings from reaching the water.

Bright artificial lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, so beachgoers should avoid using flashlights or cellphones at night. Lights should be turned off or shielded from the beach, and curtains or blinds closed after dark. Lighting near the shore can cause hatchlings to become disoriented and wander inland, where they may die of dehydration or be preyed upon.

By keeping beaches clean and dark and removing obstacles, humans can help protect green sea turtles during their nesting season.

Advocate for better-regulated fishing industries and support sustainable companies

Green sea turtles are classified as endangered, and one of the biggest threats they face is fishing gear. Every year, hundreds of thousands of sea turtles are accidentally caught in shrimp trawl nets, longline hooks, and fishing gillnets. As fishing activity expands, this problem becomes more pressing.

To help green sea turtles, humans can advocate for better-regulated fishing industries. This includes supporting and voting for elected officials committed to ocean stewardship and a more sustainable fishing industry that protects the marine environment.

• Educate yourself and others about sustainable seafood choices: Spend time learning about sustainable seafood options and make ocean-friendly choices. Resources like Seafood Watch and certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council can guide you in choosing seafood that is caught using methods that minimize harm to turtles. Spread awareness among your friends, family, and community about the impact of their seafood choices. Teach them about sustainable seafood guidelines and encourage them to use their purchasing power to support sustainable fisheries.
• Support sustainable companies and fisheries: Choose to buy seafood from companies and fisheries that prioritize sustainability and environmental protection. Look for companies that follow best environmental practices throughout their production chain and consider the entire lifecycle of their products. Avoid companies that contribute to overfishing, bycatch, or pollution. By supporting sustainable businesses, you can help promote responsible practices in the fishing industry.
• Engage with local communities and businesses: Partner with local community groups, schools, restaurants, and businesses to promote sustainable seafood practices. Educate them about the importance of choosing seafood caught using turtle-friendly methods. Encourage businesses to source their seafood from sustainable and environmentally responsible suppliers. By working together with local stakeholders, you can amplify the voice calling for better-regulated fishing practices.
• Contact and influence government officials: Stay informed about fisheries issues and express your support for stronger regulations to protect sea turtles. Write to your local representatives, attend town hall meetings, and participate in public consultations to advocate for policies that prioritize the conservation of green sea turtles and the marine environment. Your voice can influence decision-making and shape the future of the fishing industry.
• Support organizations working for change: Get involved with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation groups that are actively working to protect sea turtles and promote sustainable fishing practices. These organizations often collaborate with fisheries to adopt more sustainable methods, such as using "circle" hooks and devices that exclude turtles from nets. By supporting their initiatives, you can help drive industry-wide change and ensure that fishing practices become more turtle-friendly.

By advocating for better-regulated fishing industries and supporting sustainable companies, you can play a crucial role in protecting green sea turtles and preserving the health of our oceans.

Frequently asked questions