by G. Lee

Created on: January 27, 2010

Turtles have always fascinated people because of their size, appearance, longevity and armored shell. The sea turtles are one of the world's most important populations in marine life. Now, these turtles are becoming extinct because of human activities.

The main cause of the sea turtle's extinction is the unhealthy environment. Oceans all over the world are polluted with oil spillage, chemicals and rubbish dumping. This affects the health and growth of the turtles; they are not able to swim long distances or lay eggs. Rubbish dumping, especially plastic bags, are also hazardous to the turtles. Plastic bags floating on the surface of the water might be mistaken for jellyfish, the main source of food for the turtles. The plastic bags, however, cannot be digested and thus, the turtles die of indigestion.

Illegal egg collectors and poachers are another problem. These poachers butcher the helpless female turtles to get the gelatin and meat. They then leave the carcasses on the beach to rot. This is a great loss to the turtle population. Fishermen are also considered enemies of the turtles. They use fishing nets that are extended under the water to trap fish. Turtles do not have good eyesight. Thus, they get entangled in the nets and injure themselves.

In an attempt to save the turtles, researchers and marine biologists have identified seven species of sea turtles that are facing extinction. They are doing their best to protect and breed these species. Hatcheries are established at the nesting grounds of turtles. This is to ensure that the eggs are not stolen.

Steps are also being taken to conserve the turtles. Turtle camps are set up, for example, along the Mexican coast. The turtle camps include a detachment of Marines and infantry soldiers who patrol the nesting beaches and guard the camp. Also, the developments in satellite tracking technology has contributed greatly to the conservation of turtles. This satellite tracking technology has enabled scientists to keep track of sea turtles and determine the distribution and location of their feeding grounds, and their migratory routes. The data is invaluable when drawing up programmes for the conservation of turtles.

The question is, what can we as lay people do to help save these endangered marine turtles? For a start, we can try to learn and read up on sea turtles and what is causing their extinction. Once we are aware of their plight, we can then take action. Things that we can and should do include abstaining from throwing rubbish (especially plastic bags) into the sea, avoid taking or purchasing turtle eggs, and participating in campaigns or organisations highlighting the plight of sea turtles to the community.

Most of these steps have proven to be effective. Even though the turtle population has not fully recovered yet, they are allowed to survive in a world dominated by a single species - man.

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