Supporting their Survival

September 2, 2017 by Hetal, posted in Animals

Of the many species of turtles, the green sea turtle especially intriguing. An article by the Sea Turtle Conservancy describes green sea turtles’ diet, habitat, and other characteristics in detail; you can learn more about these turtles in their article. Typically living around coastlines, this species is often found nesting on shores and can be seen by people walking by. However, human activity has caused the green sea turtle population to decline.

As explained by the Sea Turtle Controversy article (linked above), green sea turtles’ eggs are harvested by humans for consumption. During nesting season, the green sea turtles lay many eggs on beaches and shores. Many of these hatchlings will not not survive to live long due to predators, which is why the turtles usually lay over a hundred eggs. However, when a portion of these green sea turtles’ eggs are taken by humans for consumption, the number of turtles that survive to adulthood decrease greatly. In addition, nearby light pollution causes hatchlings to travel the opposite direction from shore, leading to many hatchling deaths; without decreasing light pollution near nesting grounds, the young turtles’ journey to the water will be disrupted, and the hatchlings become vulnerable. Due in part to this, the green sea turtle population has rapidly fallen.

It is crucial that we prevent this species from becoming extinct. To help green sea turtles, it is vital that humans cease harvesting their eggs. This will help lead to the revival of the green sea turtle population in the future. We can make this happen by helping more people become aware of the consequences of harvesting and consuming turtle eggs. With that, it’s also important to not disrupt nesting grounds through sound pollution, light pollution, or littering. Having people understand the importance of conserving the green sea turtles will help greatly towards the revival of the population of these turtles. By working together to stop the harvesting of turtle eggs and many other factors, the green sea turtles will have a  more promising future.