Honoring the Ancients of the Deep: Sea Turtles

With the passing of World Turtle Day on May 23, perhaps this will help us remember the importance of the old and beautiful creatures of the ocean.

At present the threat of extinction looms over several species of sea turtles, especially the leatherbacks. In existence for 100 million years, their presence may be limited to as little as ten years, mostly due to the actions of one species, homo sapiens. Throughout the history of man, these magnificent sea creatures have been hunted for their shells, their meat, and their eggs.

Today, a more dangerous human practice threatens the turtles: longlining methods of fishing. This practice consists of a long fishing line stretched out through the ocean for miles. It is hauled in the next day and the fish are stacked onboard. Yet, a side effect of this method is called bycatch, whereby other species, including shark, marlin, and dolphin are caught on these lines. To date, longlining in the Pacific Ocean alone has already taken the lives of more than 40, 000 sea turtles. With such figures, is it any wonder that a continued presence on Earth is precarious?

Sea turtles come to nest in several specific regions of the world, such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Greece, the Caribbean, among others. As a migratory species these nesting grounds are vital as a safe haven for the eggs to develop and hatch. However, many of these areas are under threat of destruction by unwitting beach-goers or by beachfront development. In numerous instances egg poaching still goes on, despite the presence of posted signs and enforcement patrols.

Will the demise of these ancient gentle creatures be a harbinger of a less than palatable future for Earth and her other flagship species?
It may, unless we alter course. Through inspired education, awareness changes consciousness. The time is now.

“Just as the turtle cannot separate itself from its shell, neither can we separate ourselves from what we do to the Earth.”
Ted Andrews, Animal Speak, 1993

Resources:
www.hsus.org/wildlife/a_closer_look_at_wildlife/turtles_and_tortoises/celebrate_world_turtle_day.html

www.hsus.org/wildlife/a_closer_look_at_wildlife/turtles_and_tortoises/thirteen_things_to_do_for_turtles.html

www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/ccloggerhead.html

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