Sea Turtles…Endangered!

By: Mollie Plekan

Background

• largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world.

• It ranges in length from 2 to 6 feet with males averaging a little larger than females.

• Adult females weigh on average 300 pounds and males weigh just a little more.

• They live in warm, shallow oceans, where they spend all of their lives.

Mating Time

• These turtles travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to their own hatching grounds to mate and nest

• Females deposit their eggs at night in a process that takes 2 hours

• The average clutch size is 110-115 eggs, and clutches are produced every 2-4 years

• The temperature of the incubating eggs determines the sex of the turtle hatchlings

Why are they Endangered?

• Costal areas are very sensitive, must be managed carefully – breeding area/incubation of eggs

• Overdevelopment/erosion of beaches– Planting non-native species reduces nesting habitat– Artificial light defers females away from nesting

• Causes hatchlings to move in wrong direction – away from ocean and toward the light

– Marinas/docks loss to turtle’s feeding habitat– ORVs – difficult for babies to dig out of sand– Recreational boats causes collisions with boats

• Temperature during incubation determines sex – Sex ratios may change

Why are they Endangered? (continued)

• Human factor– Consumption of eggs/meat– Sale of turtle leather and shells

• Common to capture sea turtles in Caribbean, not so much in the United States

• Fishing practices result in accidental capture & death of sea turtles – trapped/tangled in nets

• Marine pollution – sea turtles eat ocean garbage affecting metabolism and digestive system

• Oils spills have negative effects on sea turtles respiratory system, skin and blood chemistry

How are they Protected?

• Protected in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973

• CITES – green sea turtle protection in over 150 countries

• The ESA – prohibits capture, possession, sale, and

hunting of green sea turtles– Gives money and land to states to aid

conservation efforts– Civil and criminal punishment on violators

Public Help!

• Avoid nests and nesting area• Keep bright lights from shining on the

beach• Keep litter off the beach• Report poachers to authorities• Get educated!

Works Cited

• http://www.earlham.edu/~klostma/greenseaturtle.htm

• http://www.reelmovienews.com/gallery/crush-the-sea-turtle/