Threats & Conservation

Sea turtle eggs are dug up from their nests for consumption and trade.

Sea turtle meat is still consumed as it is considered an exotic delicacy. Additionally, myths persist claiming that sea turtles have health benefits, further driving their exploitation.

Sea turtles are often killed or have their body parts harvested for illegal trade. Various turtle-derived products are found in the black market, such as accessories made from hawksbill turtle shells, which are produced through cruel and inhumane methods.

Mass tourism activities in sea turtle habitats can disrupt their lives and potentially cause pollution, posing a serious threat to their survival.

Excessive development around nesting beaches can disrupt the space sea turtles need to lay their eggs. Construction projects also often alter natural ecosystems, which serve as vital feeding and sheltering areas for turtles.

Hatchlings rely on the natural light of the horizon to find their way to the ocean after hatching. However, artificial lights from coastal areas can disorient them, leading them in the wrong direction and drastically reducing their chances of survival.

Damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds depletes sea turtles’ primary food sources. The loss of these habitats also reduces safe shelter areas, making their survival even more challenging.

Sea turtles often get accidentally caught in fishing nets (bycatch). These non-selective fishing practices pose a serious threat to their already endangered populations, further pushing them toward extinction.

Heavy boat traffic in coastal waters poses a serious threat to sea turtles, increasing the risk of collisions that can cause injury or death. Additionally, noise pollution from vessels can disrupt their migration patterns, further endangering their survival.

Plastic waste discarded into the ocean is often mistaken for jellyfish by sea turtles. Ingesting plastic can block their digestive system, leading to starvation and even death.

Marine pollution from plastic, chemicals, and oil degrades the quality of sea turtles’ habitats and harms their health. It also threatens their natural food sources, such as fish and crustaceans, further endangering their survival.