Protecting Hawksbill Turtles: Preventing Their Extinction

The hawksbill turtle is a critically endangered species that has existed alongside dinosaurs and continues to be threatened by human activity. Hawksbills are found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and are the only species of sea turtle that feed mainly on sponges in coral reefs. Their distinct shells are a unique feature, resembling a hawk's beak, and are often used to create jewellery and trinkets. Despite international protection, illegal trade and hunting persist, threatening their existence. To save hawksbill turtles from extinction, it is crucial to address the issues of wildlife trade, habitat loss, and ocean pollution, among other challenges.

Avoid buying hawksbill shell products

The hawksbill turtle is currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Despite this, there is still a large amount of illegal trade in hawksbill shells and products. The ornate shells are often used to make jewellery, trinkets, combs, and decorative pieces. The hawksbill turtle is particularly vulnerable to this trade because of the beautiful golden brown and yellow colouration of its shell.

The tortoiseshell trade is the biggest threat to hawksbills. The hawksbill shell is commonly carved into combs, jewellery, and other trinkets, and has been popular since the time of Julius Caesar over 2,000 years ago. A 2019 study in the journal Science Advances found that 9 million hawksbill turtles were hunted for their shells in 148 years between 1844 and 1992, over six times that of previous estimates.

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) forbids the trade of any turtle products on the international market, including hawksbill tortoise shell, but illegal hunting continues to represent a threat to the species. Japan, for example, has been a large importer of hawksbill shells, with over 1,240 pounds of hawksbill tortoiseshell seized by customs between 2000 and 2019.

To avoid buying hawksbill shell products, it is important to learn how to identify hawksbill shell and ask vendors what souvenirs are made of when travelling. There are guides and apps available to help you learn how to identify hawksbill shell. It is also important to avoid buying anything that even looks like tortoiseshell, as it can be very difficult to tell the difference between real tortoiseshell and plastic.

By avoiding the purchase of hawksbill shell products, you can help reduce the demand for these products and protect the hawksbill turtle from extinction.

Reduce carbon emissions

Climate change poses a critical threat to hawksbill turtles, and reducing carbon emissions is crucial for their survival. Here are some ways to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on hawksbill turtles:

Hawksbill turtles feed on sponges that live on coral reefs, and these coral reefs are under threat from climate change. Warmer ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events can cause coral bleaching, damaging the reefs that hawksbills depend on for food and shelter. By reducing carbon emissions, we can help protect and restore these vital coral habitats.

Advocate for Reduced Emissions from Businesses and Governments

Individuals can play a role in reducing carbon emissions by advocating for businesses and governments to transition to renewable energy sources and implement emissions-reducing technologies. This can include supporting policies and initiatives that promote sustainable practices, such as the development of renewable energy infrastructure and the phase-out of fossil fuels.

Reduce Personal Carbon Footprint

Making changes in your daily life can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. This includes simple actions such as using energy-efficient appliances, reducing energy consumption at home, choosing fuel-efficient vehicles or public transportation, and adopting a plant-based diet or reducing meat consumption. These individual actions, when practiced by many, can have a significant collective impact.

Support Conservation Efforts

Get involved with organizations working to protect hawksbill turtles and their habitats. This can include volunteering, donating, or joining conservation programs that focus on reducing the impacts of climate change. By supporting these efforts, you can help ensure that hawksbill turtles have healthy and safe environments to nest, feed, and thrive.

Raise Awareness and Educate Others

Spreading awareness about the impact of climate change on hawksbill turtles and the importance of reducing carbon emissions is crucial. Educate your community, friends, and family about the threats hawksbills face and the actions they can take to help. By raising awareness, you can inspire others to make changes in their own lives and advocate for larger-scale emissions reductions.

Choose sustainable seafood

Choosing sustainable seafood is a critical step in saving hawksbill turtles from extinction. Here are some detailed instructions to help guide your choices:

• Understand the issue: Hawksbill turtles, like other sea turtles, are vulnerable to commercial fishing methods such as trawling, longlines, and drift gillnets. They often become unwanted catch, also known as "bycatch," that is discarded. Bycatch is a significant threat to hawksbills, and choosing sustainable seafood can help reduce this issue.
• Check for certifications: When buying seafood, look for certifications and labels that indicate sustainable fishing practices. For example, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification ensures that the seafood is sourced from fisheries that meet robust sustainability standards.
• Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions about the origin and sourcing of the seafood you're purchasing. Ask your local fishmonger or grocer about their sourcing practices and if they offer sustainably caught seafood options.
• Support sustainable fisheries: Choose to buy seafood from fisheries that employ sustainable fishing practices. This may include using specific gear or techniques that minimize or eliminate bycatch. You can also support fisheries that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact and protect marine life.
• Download apps: Utilize technology to help you make informed choices. There are several apps available, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch app, which provides up-to-date information about sustainable seafood options. These apps can help you make choices that support the conservation of hawksbill turtles.
• Reduce seafood consumption: Consider reducing your overall seafood consumption. This not only helps reduce the demand for unsustainably sourced seafood but also has environmental benefits. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices are significant contributors to the decline of hawksbill turtles, and reducing demand can help alleviate these issues.
• Educate others: Spread the word about the importance of choosing sustainable seafood to save hawksbill turtles. Educate your friends, family, and community about the impact of their seafood choices and encourage them to make sustainable decisions.

Remember, by choosing sustainable seafood, you are not only supporting the conservation of hawksbill turtles but also contributing to the health of our oceans and the countless other species that depend on them.

Refuse single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a major threat to hawksbill turtles and all other sea turtles. They are affected by plastic at every stage of their life. Here are some reasons why you should refuse single-use plastics to help save hawksbill turtles from extinction:

Entanglement and entrapment

Hawksbill turtles, especially the newly hatched ones, have to navigate through piles of microplastics and plastic items just to make it from the nest to the sea. They can get entangled and trapped in all sorts of plastic items, from car tires to abandoned fishing gear, on land and at sea. Entanglement can lead to injuries, hinder their ability to swim, and, in severe cases, lead to drowning and death.

Ingestion

Hawksbill turtles can ingest plastic by mistaking it for their natural food, such as jellyfish. They can also accidentally eat plastic that is present among their natural food, such as a plastic straw on the seafloor among crustaceans. Plastic ingestion can cause physical damage to their intestines, lead to blockages, and trick them into feeling full when they are not, which can make them sick or even lead to premature death.

Chemical dangers

Plastics contain any mixture of at least 16,000 chemicals, including about 4,200 that are known to be hazardous, such as bisphenols (like BPA), dioxins, flame retardants, PFAS, and heavy metals. These chemicals cause numerous serious health problems in all animals, including hawksbill turtles. Heavy metals in plastics have been linked to hormone-disrupting effects that can feminize sea turtle populations, and BPA can have similar feminizing effects and cause infertility.

Impact on nesting beaches

Adult hawksbill turtles need to crawl through plastic debris to find a place to nest, and hatchlings can get caught in the debris while trying to make their way to the ocean. Additionally, tiny bits of plastic in the sand can affect nests and hatchlings.

Impact on food sources

Hawksbill turtles feed mainly on sponges found on coral reefs. Plastics and other garbage can damage coral reefs, reducing the availability of food sources for hawksbill turtles.

By refusing single-use plastics, you can help reduce the amount of plastic pollution that hawksbill turtles are exposed to, protecting them from entanglement, ingestion, and chemical dangers.

Leave no trace on beaches

To save hawksbill turtles from extinction, it is imperative to minimise human interference on beaches and ensure that these natural habitats remain pristine and safe for turtles to nest and hatch. Here are some ways to achieve this through the "Leave No Trace" approach:

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Before visiting a beach, research the rules and regulations of the area. Some beaches may have restrictions on pets, fires, alcohol, camping, or other activities. Check the weather forecast and tide schedule to avoid any hazards. Pack your beach bag with eco-friendly items, such as reef-safe sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and snacks with minimal packaging. Avoid bringing plastic bags, bottles, or containers that can easily blow away and end up in the ocean, posing a threat to marine life.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

When accessing the beach, stick to existing paths or roads to avoid damaging fragile sand dunes and vegetation. Sand dunes play a crucial role in preventing erosion and providing habitat for wildlife. Stay clear of any areas designated as bird or turtle nesting sites. These areas are crucial for the survival of vulnerable species, and any disturbance or predation can be detrimental.

Dispose of Waste Properly

One of the most vital principles of "Leave No Trace" is proper waste disposal. Whatever you bring to the beach, make sure to take it back with you and dispose of it responsibly. Do not leave any trash, food scraps, or other items on the beach or in the water. These can harm wildlife, pollute the environment, and ruin the natural beauty of the beach. If you encounter litter left by others, take the initiative to pick it up and dispose of it appropriately.

Leave What You Find

Beaches are filled with natural treasures like shells, rocks, driftwood, and seaweed. While it may be tempting to collect souvenirs, it's best to leave these items untouched. They play a vital role in the natural cycle of the beach, providing food, shelter, and habitat for various creatures. Removing them can disrupt the ecosystem's balance and deprive others of enjoying them. Instead of taking them home, capture their beauty through photographs or drawings.

Minimise Campfire Impacts

Campfires are typically prohibited on beaches due to fire hazards and environmental concerns. If you're camping at a designated site that permits fires, use established fire rings or pits, and only burn small amounts of wood or charcoal. Do not use driftwood or other beach materials as fuel, as they can release toxic chemicals when burned. Keep the fire controlled and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

Respect Wildlife

Beaches are the homes of many animals, including birds, fish, crabs, turtles, and dolphins. Respect their natural habitat by observing them from a distance without disturbing them. Do not feed, touch, chase, or harass wildlife in any way. Interfering with their natural behaviour can make them dependent on humans and expose them to diseases or predators. Touching or handling wildlife can also transmit diseases and cause injuries to both you and the animals.

Frequently asked questions