Threats to Sea Turtles
Sea turtles face numerous challenges, from habitat loss and climate change to pollution, bycatch, and illegal harvesting. These threats jeopardize their survival and disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems.
Plastics & Pollution
Our waste has a direct path to the ocean. Plastics—bottles, bags, wrappers, balloons, straws—travel from rivers, beaches, streets, and storm drains, eventually floating aimlessly in the sea. Sea turtles mistake this debris for food, and ingesting plastic can damage their digestive systems, often leading to fatal outcomes.
Ghost gear, including lost or discarded fishing lines, nets, ropes, and sacs, is another major threat to sea turtles. These items, which turtles often mistake for shelter or food, trap them, causing entanglement that leads to severe injury or death.
In addition to plastic waste, pollution from oil spills and runoff from industries and farming—such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers—compromise marine health. Over time, these pollutants weaken sea turtles’ immune systems, affect their reproductive abilities, and result in smaller clutches and deformed hatchlings, further threatening their survival.
Commercial Fishing & Bycatch
Commercial fishing poses a significant threat to sea turtles through bycatch—the unintentional capture of non-target species. Sea turtles often get caught in fishing gear such as trawls, gillnets, and longlines, leading to injuries or death. Unable to surface for air, many drown in the process.
These encounters have a devastating impact on sea turtle populations, particularly for species already classified as endangered. Bycatch not only affects individual turtles but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems where turtles play a vital role.
AB Sea Turtle Awareness advocates for sustainable fishing practices and the adoption of bycatch reduction measures, such as turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and safer gear designs. Through education and collaboration with the fishing industry, we aim to protect sea turtles while supporting sustainable livelihoods for those who depend on the ocean.
Coastal Development & Habitat Loss
Coastal development is one of the leading causes of habitat loss for sea turtles. Activities like construction, beachfront lighting, sand mining, and seawall installations disrupt critical nesting areas, making it harder for turtles to lay eggs. Alterations to the coastline can also result in erosion, shrinking the sandy beaches that turtles rely on for reproduction.
Artificial lighting near nesting sites disorients hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean and increasing their vulnerability to predators and exhaustion. Additionally, heavy human activity in coastal areas can lead to increased pollution and habitat degradation, further threatening marine life.
AB Sea Turtle Awareness works to protect and restore nesting habitats by advocating for responsible coastal development and educating communities about the importance of preserving natural shorelines. By balancing development with conservation, we can safeguard these essential habitats for future generations of sea turtles.
Climate Change
Climate change poses a growing threat to sea turtles and their habitats. Rising global temperatures affect nesting beaches by increasing sand temperatures, which determine the sex of hatchlings. Warmer sands produce more females, disrupting the natural gender balance essential for reproduction.
Sea level rise and stronger storm surges erode nesting beaches, reducing the safe spaces available for turtles to lay their eggs. Additionally, changes in ocean currents and temperatures impact sea turtles’ migratory patterns and the availability of their food sources, further threatening their survival.
At AB Sea Turtle Awareness, we recognize the urgent need to address climate change through conservation efforts and community action. By protecting nesting sites, restoring natural habitats, and advocating for global climate solutions, we aim to mitigate these impacts and help sea turtles adapt to a changing world.
Photo Credit: Hal Brindley / TravelforWildlife.com
Illegal Harvesting &
Shell Trade
Despite legal protections, sea turtles are still targeted for their meat, eggs, and shells, driving some species closer to extinction. The illegal harvesting of turtles and their eggs disrupts reproduction cycles, significantly reducing populations.
Hawksbill turtles, in particular, are threatened by the global demand for tortoiseshell, used in jewelry and decorative items. This trade not only decimates hawksbill populations but also disrupts the marine ecosystems they help maintain.
AB Sea Turtle Awareness is committed to combating these threats through education, advocacy, and collaboration with enforcement agencies. By raising awareness about the critical role sea turtles play in marine ecosystems and promoting alternatives to illegal products, we aim to protect these endangered species and ensure their survival for generations to come.
Photo Credit: James Ebanks