Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are beautiful, efficient animals that travel the world's oceans and know to return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. They have been in existence for millions of years and flourished until the last 100 years when they became endangered by human activities.

There remains much to be learned about these animals. It is known that the oceans are necessary for their survival. It is also known that suitable nesting habitat is necessary for their survival. Over the past 50 to 75 years, humans have been developing coastal areas, fishing the oceans, and damaging the ocean ecosystem. It is important to teach people about how both turtles and people can use ocean resources safely.

Baby sea turtles are most at risk. Their eggs and hatchlings are the prey of many animals, including raccoons and gulls. Wire cages are used to protect the nests from predators.

Most sea turtles hatch at night. When artificial lighting is present, hatchlings can get disoriented and head toward the lighted area rather than to the water. If they are allowed to travel in the wrong direction, they may die from dehydration, predation, hit by a vehicle if they travel into the streets or parking areas. In Florida, there is a campaign to encourage people to make sure lights from their property do not shine onto the beach. This is especially important when the eggs hatch (July-October). Biologists also help redirect turtles that head the wrong way.

How can you help? Learn as much as you can about sea turtles and tell others what you have learned. Make sure you properly dispose of things that turtles can swallow or get tangled in. These include ribbons, balloons, plastic bags, and fishing line. If you live in an area where turtles are found, volunteer to help with rehabilitation and conservation work.

Young people can also help by considering a career in conservation. People must work toward conservation of safe and adequate habitat for nesting and protection of water habitat for the preservation of the species.

Read more about Jerris and her work as a sea turtle biologist.

Do you have questions about sea turtles?
E-mail Alonso Aguirre to ask him about his work.