Protecting Hawksbill Sea Turtles: Human Actions For Conservation

The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species that inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the world's major oceans. The hawksbill sea turtle gets its name from its curved, pointed beak, which it uses to feed on sponges and other invertebrates growing on coral reefs.

Hawksbill sea turtles are under threat from a variety of human activities, including:

- Illegal trade of their shells for jewellery and ornaments

- Loss of nesting and foraging habitats due to coastal development and climate change

- Harvesting of their eggs for food

- Accidental capture in fishing gear

- Pollution and marine debris

To help protect hawksbill sea turtles, humans can:

- Avoid buying souvenirs or other items made from hawksbill shells

- Advocate for reduced emissions to help mitigate climate change

- Choose sustainable seafood to reduce the impact of commercial fishing

- Reduce plastic use and advocate for laws to reduce plastic waste

- Keep beaches clean and free of obstacles that may harm nesting turtles and hatchlings

- Support turtle conservation tours and ecotourism

- Use reef-friendly sunscreens to protect coral reefs

Avoid buying souvenirs made from hawksbill shells

The hawksbill sea turtle is considered a critically endangered species, and humans can help by not buying souvenirs or other items made from their shells. The hawksbill's beautiful, translucent shell is one of its greatest liabilities, as it is often used to make jewellery, hair decorations, and other ornaments. Despite the hawksbill's protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), there is still a large amount of illegal trade in hawksbill shells and products.

The hawksbill's shell is highly sought after throughout the tropics for its beautiful brown and yellow carapace plates, which are manufactured into tortoiseshell items for jewellery and ornaments. In recent decades, East Asia has provided an eager market for tortoiseshell. The tortoiseshell trade is the biggest threat to hawksbills.

To avoid contributing to this illegal trade, it is important to be cautious when purchasing souvenirs or other items that may be made from hawksbill shell. When travelling, ask vendors what souvenirs are made of, and if in doubt, refrain from purchasing items in question. There are also apps and guides available to help identify and avoid hawksbill turtleshell products.

Additionally, it is important to support local communities in finding alternative livelihoods so that they are no longer dependent on turtle products for income. Organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) work with communities to reduce turtle harvesting and local trade, as well as raise awareness about the threats hawksbills face.

Reduce carbon emissions to help protect coral reefs

Humans can help protect hawksbill sea turtles by reducing carbon emissions to safeguard coral reefs, which are a key habitat for these turtles.

Hawksbill sea turtles inhabit the warm, tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are named for their narrow, pointed beaks, which they use to extract food from crevices in coral reefs. As a keystone species, hawksbills play a critical role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by feeding on certain species of sponges. This dietary preference allows less common sponge species to thrive, thereby increasing biodiversity on the reef.

Coral reefs, which cover approximately 284,300 square kilometres, account for less than 0.1% of the ocean's surface. Yet, they are among the most biodiverse ecosystems, supporting thousands of species. However, coral reefs are under significant threat due to rising carbon emissions, which contribute to ocean acidification and warming seas.

To protect hawksbill sea turtles and the coral reefs they depend on, it is essential to reduce carbon emissions. Here are some ways to achieve that:

• Transition to cleaner energy sources: Shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, slowing down ocean acidification.
• Improve energy efficiency: Implement measures to reduce energy consumption, such as using energy-efficient appliances, improving building insulation, and promoting public transport and electric vehicles.
• Adopt carbon capture and storage technologies: Invest in technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial processes, preventing their release into the atmosphere.
• Protect and restore coral reefs: Implement measures to reduce local stressors on coral reefs, such as overfishing, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. Additionally, support conservation efforts and create marine protected areas to allow reefs to recover and build resilience.
• International cooperation: Addressing climate change requires global collaboration. Encourage countries to uphold their commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

By taking these steps to reduce carbon emissions, we can help protect coral reefs and, in turn, safeguard the habitat of hawksbill sea turtles, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Choose seafood that's been responsibly caught

Humans can help protect hawksbill sea turtles by choosing seafood that has been responsibly caught. Here are some ways to ensure that your seafood choices support the conservation of hawksbill sea turtles:

• Support Sustainable Fisheries: Choose seafood that has been sourced from sustainable fisheries. Look for certifications or labels indicating compliance with sustainability standards, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. The MSC is the world's leading certification program for sustainable wild-caught seafood. They evaluate fisheries based on rigorous standards for healthy fish populations and ecosystem preservation. By choosing MSC-certified seafood, you can be confident that the hawksbill sea turtle's ecosystem is being preserved.
• Avoid Illegal and Unregulated Trade: Hawksbill sea turtles are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Despite this protection, illegal trade in their shells and products still persists. Avoid purchasing any seafood or seafood products that are not sourced from regulated and legal fisheries. Support fisheries that follow international treaties and agreements, such as CITES, which prohibit the trade of endangered species like hawksbill sea turtles.
• Reduce Bycatch and Accidental Capture: Hawksbill sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in gillnets and accidental capture on fishing hooks. Choose fisheries that implement measures to reduce bycatch, such as using circle-shaped hooks instead of J-shaped hooks, or employing turtle excluder devices in nets. These simple changes can significantly reduce the accidental capture and drowning of hawksbill sea turtles.
• Protect Nesting and Foraging Habitats: Hawksbill sea turtles rely on healthy coral reefs and coastal areas for nesting and foraging. Choose seafood that has been sourced from fisheries with strict environmental standards and those that do not contribute to the destruction of these critical habitats. This includes avoiding seafood from areas with high pollution levels or those that engage in harmful fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, which can damage coral reefs.
• Consider Farmed Seafood Options: With the decline in wild seafood populations, farmed seafood can provide a more sustainable alternative. Opt for responsibly farmed seafood that meets high environmental and welfare standards. Look for farms that prohibit the use of antibiotics, hormones, and synthetic pesticides. Additionally, choose farms with strict traceability measures in place to ensure the seafood can be tracked from farm to table.
• Educate Yourself and Ask Questions: Reputable seafood guides and apps, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, can help you make informed choices. These guides provide science-based recommendations based on factors like the origin of the seafood, the fishing or farming method, and the impact on the local environment. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the source and sustainability of the seafood you're purchasing. Show your support for sustainable practices and encourage businesses to provide more transparent information.

By incorporating these considerations into your seafood choices, you can play a vital role in protecting hawksbill sea turtles and ensuring the long-term health of our oceans.

Avoid using single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a major threat to hawksbill sea turtles. These plastics can be deadly when ingested or if the turtle becomes entangled in them. To avoid contributing to this issue, it is important to reduce your use of single-use plastics. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Ditch single-use water bottles and coffee cups. Instead, invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. This is not only good for the environment but also a great way to showcase your personality, as there are many cute and stylish options available.
• Bring your own cloth bags to the grocery store instead of using disposable plastic bags. Again, there are many fun and unique tote bags available that can suit your style.
• Skip the straw. Unless you require a straw for medical reasons, it is best to avoid using plastic straws. If you need to use a straw, opt for a reusable alternative made from metal, glass, or bamboo.
• Avoid using plastic bags for produce and other items at the grocery store. Instead, bring your own reusable bags or opt for paper bags if available.
• Refuse to use single-use plastic utensils and opt for reusable ones instead. When ordering takeout or eating at a restaurant, you can also specify that you do not need utensils included with your order.
• Choose products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging. Look for items packaged in paper, cardboard, or other recyclable or compostable materials instead of plastic.

Remember, these small changes can make a big impact in protecting hawksbill sea turtles and other marine life from the harmful effects of single-use plastics.

Keep beaches clean and clear

Keeping beaches clean and clear is essential for the survival of hawksbill sea turtles. Here are some ways to ensure beaches remain safe for hawksbills:

• Remove trash and obstacles: Any trash left on the beach can entangle hawksbills and hinder their movement. Beach furniture, holes, umbrellas, and sandcastles can become obstacles for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings. It is important to remove all trash and fill in any holes to create a clear path for the turtles.
• Avoid plastic use: Plastics are a significant threat to hawksbills and other marine life. They can ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, or become entangled in it. It is crucial to avoid using disposable plastic items such as bags, bottles, and straws, and to advocate for laws and company policies that reduce plastic waste.
• Choose sunscreen carefully: Some chemicals in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, can damage coral reefs and pollute turtle habitats. Opt for "reef-friendly" and "biodegradable" sunscreen brands to minimise the impact on hawksbills and their ecosystems.
• Support local conservation efforts: Get involved with local organisations that work to protect turtle nesting beaches and clean up plastic waste from turtle habitats. Your participation and contributions can make a significant difference in ensuring beaches remain safe for hawksbills.
• Practise responsible turtle watching: When visiting a turtle nesting beach, ensure you follow guidelines for responsible turtle watching. Maintain a respectful distance, avoid disturbing nesting turtles or hatchlings, and do not feed or touch the turtles. Your cooperation will help minimise stress on the turtles and ensure their natural behaviours are not disrupted.

Frequently asked questions