Turtle Conservation

Turtles have been on Earth for more than 200 million years, even longer than dinosaurs. Today, many turtle species are in danger. Sea turtles face threats from plastic pollution, fishing nets, and the loss of nesting beaches. Freshwater turtles are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are working to help turtles survive.

Sea Turtles in Danger

Six of the seven species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered. Plastic bags in the ocean look like jellyfish, which sea turtles eat, and can choke them. Baby sea turtles can be confused by bright lights on beaches and crawl away from the ocean instead of toward it. Fishing nets accidentally catch and drown thousands of sea turtles each year.

Saving Turtles

Volunteers patrol nesting beaches to protect sea turtle eggs from predators and poachers. Special lights on beaches guide baby turtles safely to the ocean. Fishing nets with turtle excluder devices let turtles escape if they are caught. Reducing plastic use and keeping beaches clean are things everyone can do to help turtles.

Fun Facts

• Sea turtles can travel thousands of miles across the ocean and return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs!
• The leatherback sea turtle can dive to depths of more than 3,000 feet.
• Some sea turtles can live to be more than 100 years old.

Did You Know?

The temperature of the sand where sea turtle eggs are buried determines whether the babies will be male or female!