Turtles: Sentinels of Ocean Wisdom
An Ancestral History
Turtles have existed for more than 200 million years, surviving cataclysms that wiped out many other living things, including dinosaurs. These incredible creatures have evolved and adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from deep oceans to arid deserts. Their resistance and adaptability make them true survivors of the animal kingdom.
Species Diversity
There are around 356 species of turtles, divided into two main groups: land turtles and sea turtles. Sea turtles, such as the towering leatherback turtle and the graceful green turtle, are known for their extensive migrations, which can span thousands of kilometers. On the other hand, land tortoises, such as the Galapagos tortoise, are famous for their longevity and their crucial role in island ecosystems.
Challenges in the 21st Century
Despite their historical resilience, turtles currently face serious threats due to human activity. Habitat destruction, plastic pollution, poaching and climate change are endangering the survival of many turtle species.
Sea turtles face numerous threats that endanger their survival. Below are the main threats to these magnificent creatures:
Coastal Development
The construction of resorts, houses, and other infrastructure on nesting beaches destroys critical habitat for sea turtles. This not only reduces the space available for nesting, but also increases artificial light that disorients the hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean.
Beach Erosion
Climate change and human activities can accelerate beach erosion, decreasing suitable areas for sea turtles to lay their eggs.
2. Pollution
Plastics and Marine Debris
Sea turtles mistake plastic and other marine debris for food. Ingestion of plastic can cause intestinal blockages, malnutrition and death. It is estimated that more than 50% of sea turtles have ingested plastic at some point in their lives.
Chemical contamination
Chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, can accumulate in sea turtles' tissues, affecting their health and ability to reproduce.
3. Illegal Hunting and Trade
Poaching
Sea turtles are hunted illegally for their meat, their shells (used in making crafts and jewelry), and their eggs, which are considered a delicacy in some cultures.
Species Trafficking
Despite international regulations, illegal trafficking of sea turtles and their products remains a significant problem.
4. Accidental Fishing
Incidental Capture (Bycatch)
Sea turtles often become entangled in fishing nets, hook lines, and other fishing gear, which can lead to serious injury or death. Bycatch is one of the biggest threats to these species.
5. Climate Change
Increase in Water Temperature
Warmer ocean temperatures can affect sea turtles' food sources, such as jellyfish and crustaceans, which can impact their survival and health.
Rising sea levels
Rising sea levels can flood nesting beaches, destroying nests and reducing areas available for future nesting.
Gender Imbalance
The temperature of the sand where the turtle eggs are incubated determines the sex of the hatchlings. With rising temperatures, there is a tendency for more females to be produced, which could lead to a sex imbalance and affect the viability of populations in the future.
6. Diseases
Fibropapillomatosis
This viral disease causes tumors in sea turtles, which can affect their ability to swim, see, and feed. The prevalence of this disease appears to be increasing, possibly linked to environmental and stress factors.
Conservation Efforts
Despite these challenges, there are numerous initiatives underway to protect sea turtles:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): These areas provide safe havens where sea turtles can feed and nest without the pressure of human activities.
Fishing Regulations: Implementing turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in fishing nets and modifying fishing techniques help reduce bycatch.
Education and Awareness Programs: Community education and awareness about the importance of sea turtles and the threats they face are crucial to encourage conservation practices and reduce poaching.
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution in the oceans is one of the most critical problems facing sea turtles. These animals often mistake plastic for their food, which can lead to intestinal blockages and death. It is estimated that more than 50% of sea turtles have ingested plastic at some point in their lives.
Climate change
Climate change also has a significant impact on turtles. The incubation temperatures of turtle eggs determine the sex of the hatchlings. With rising global temperatures, we are seeing a bias toward more females being born, which could severely impact the genetic diversity and long-term viability of turtle populations.
Conservation Efforts
Fortunately, there are numerous conservation efforts underway to protect these magnificent creatures. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Turtle Conservancy are working tirelessly to preserve turtle habitats, combat poaching, and educate the public about the importance of these species.
Innovational projects
In Costa Rica, the Turtle Project has implemented night patrols to protect sea turtle nests from predators and poachers. In the Galapagos Islands, captive breeding programs have been introduced to increase land tortoise populations.
Turtles as a Symbol of Hope
Beyond their ecological importance, turtles symbolize patience, wisdom and resilience. In many cultures, they are considered bringers of good luck and longevity. Their stories of survival inspire us to value and protect our planet.
A Call to Action
Protecting turtles is not just a responsibility of scientists and conservationists, but of all of us. Small actions, such as reducing plastic use, participating in beach clean-up programs, and supporting conservation organizations, can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Turtles, with their imposing presence and their story of survival, remind us of the importance of harmony with nature. They are living witnesses of the Earth's history and guardians of ecological wisdom. Protecting them is protecting our future, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at these incredible sentinels of the oceans.
References
https://fantaseajewelry.com/blogs/news/lessons-from-the-sea-turtle-sea-turtle-honu-wisdom
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31550577/
https://seawe.store/blogs/news/the-ancient-wisdom-of-the-sea-turtle
https://gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/media/document/water-sea-turtle-planfinalv2pdf
