Sea turtles in the spotlight
"I remember seeing my first turtle as a kid on a beach in Puri- a dead olive ridley which went unnoticed by people around, like it didn’t matter. The beauty and serenity that it imbued even in death, cast itself over me in a permanent sort of way, instilling an emotional connection with turtles which continues to this day, and always will.”-Debangini Ray
Why Are SEA TURTLES Important?
There are 7 species of sea turtles – the olive ridley, kemp's ridley, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead and flatback – and they form an important part of the marine food chain as predator, prey and competitor. They also play an important role in nutrient cycling between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Though some species like green turtles have the ability to modify seagrass meadows and even have negative impacts, sea turtles largely serve as indicators of a healthy ecosystem,
Historically and even in recent times, sea turtles have been an important source of food for coastal and tribal communities. They may be revered and often worshipped by these communities and, at the same time, the meat and eggs are important sources of protein. In India, conservation-based tourism activities involving sea turtles and local communities, such as the Velas Turtle Festival in Maharashtra, have also had the added benefit of providing the communities with an additional source of income.
Sea turtles are referred to as “flagship” species, meaning that conservation efforts surrounding them subsequently result in the conservation of other marine biodiversity. They act as hosts to a variety of small organisms, such as barnacles, algae, and microorganisms called ‘epibionts’, that live on their shells and have their own world of interactions with the turtle as well as with other marine creatures.
what are the challenges facing SEA TURTLES?
Habitat loss from coastal development, climate change, pollution, and incidental catch in fishing nets, pose some of the biggest threats to turtles globally.
In India, sea turtles are protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and are protected under Schedule I – giving them the highest level of protection in the country along with other Schedule I species. But still, sea turtles are often at risk due to unsustainable fishing practices and coastal development which changes habitat and leads to coastal erosion.
Ingesting plastic and entanglement in fishing nets causes stress and injury to these animals which can lead to their death. Many turtles have been found with flippers missing as a result of escaping from nets. These are luckier than the others which cannot surface to breathe and subsequently drown.
In more recent years, climate change has emerged as one of the leading threats to turtles around the world. As with many reptiles, the temperature of the nest determines the sex of the embryo, with warmer temperatures creating females and cooler temperatures creating males in the case of sea turtles. Furthermore, rising sea levels reduce the space available for nesting, thus, putting populations at risk.
what can WE do to help?
STUDY SEA TURTLES
Improve your knowledge on sea turtles and the nuances of the issues they face by reading books, watching documentaries, etc.
If you live near the coast, find out if there are organizations that work on sea turtles and volunteer with them. This is a great way to learn about their biology, behavior, etc. as well as to develop a deeper appreciation for the animal.
Try to learn more about what changes you can make to your lifestyle that might have a positive effect on the environment as a whole. For example, you could limit your consumption of plastic, particularly single-use plastic, and consume sustainably sourced seafood.
CELEBRATE SEA TURTLES
Social media has begun to play a key role in increasing education and awareness on a variety of organisms and issues. So, an easy way to stay informed would be to follow scientists and conservation organizations that shed light on sea turtles and their conservation.
Raise awareness by speaking to friends, family and coworkers about the importance of sea turtles their habitats and other marine organisms.
Support artists and artwork that depict sea turtles and other marine fauna.
Protect SEA TURTLES
Get more involved with civic and government bodies in your city and their activities. Educate yourself on changes being made and try to use your voice and platform to support causes for improved policy and decision making.
Participate in activities like beach cleanups to remove plastic and other marine debris. Discarded fishing nets that end up in the sea (known as “ghost nets”) which pose a huge threat to marine organisms and hence should be appropriately disposed of when encountered.
Remember that it’s as important to support marginal coastal communities and their livelihoods. Conservation cannot come at a cost to people, especially those who depend on these resources.
Read up on organizations that work on sea turtles or marine biodiversity and donate to those causes.