World Sea Turtle Day

 

World Sea Turtle Day observed on June 16 is an important day for marine conservation enthusiasts and sea turtle lovers around the world. This day is dedicated to celebrating and bringing awareness to the plight of sea turtles globally. These creatures are beautiful, and they deserve our admiration and protection. On June 16th, let us pay tribute to these mesmerizing animals and remind ourselves of the important role we play in their survival.

Species of Sea Turtle:

• Leatherback sea turtle
• Green sea turtles
• Hawksbill sea turtle
• Loggerhead sea turtle
• Olive ridley sea turtle
• Kemps ridley sea turtle
• Flatback sea turtle

Sea turtles are endangered species

Sea turtles are truly magnificent creatures. Swimming gracefully through the ocean, their sleek and smooth bodies fill us with awe. Despite being here for millions of years, these animals face an uncertain future, threatened by human impact on their habitat. World Sea Turtle Day reminds us to appreciate their inherent value, to respect their habitat, and to work towards their conservation.

Dr Archie Carr - pioneer of sea turtle conservation

One of the significant figures of the sea turtle conservation movement was Dr. Archie Carr. This renowned biologist dedicated his life to studying and protecting sea turtles, raising awareness of threats to their survival. The Sea Turtle Conservancy, founded in 1959, continues to carry out his legacy and bring attention to the many perils these animals face. Dr Carr was a pioneer in the effort to protect our environment. He wrote several influential books, such as The Windward Road and So Shall You Reap, which highlighted the importance of conservation and its effects on animals and habitats. His advocacy for turtles is particularly notable; he frequently made trips to Tortuguero National Park to observe sea turtle nesting sites and educate locals about conservation efforts. He also led public awareness campaigns alongside his wife Marjorie Carr, who later became a leader in the environmental movement. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the prestigious Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal by the National Academy of Sciences in 1952. Dr Carr's dedication to protecting our planet continues to serve as an example for future generations of environmentalists.

Top places to see sea turtles:

  Great Barrier Reef, Australia

  Bunaken Marine Park, Indonesia

  Turtle Islands, Philippines & Malaysia

  Gili Islands, Indonesia

  Tioman Island, Malaysia

  Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

  Laniakea Beach, Hawaii

  Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

  Tortuguero, Costa Rica

  Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

  Marsa Alam, Egypt

  Sipadan, Malaysia

Ways to protect sea turtles

Sea turtles play a vital role in ocean ecosystems and have a strong cultural significance to many coastal indigenous communities. However, their populations have been rapidly declining due to climate change, habitat disturbance, and direct exploitation. We all have a shared responsibility to protect sea turtles, especially because we depend on a healthy ocean for our survival. This is a reminder that we must act with urgency to protect these animals and their fragile habitats.

Do our bid:

• Fight plastic pollution by reducing plastic use
• Increase awareness by organising trips to see them
• Never buy souvenirs made out of turtle shells
• Don't buy fish caught in the process of trawling - use sustainable sources only
• Use ocean friendly product such as eco sunscreen cream

A unique aspect of sea turtles that sets them apart from other marine creatures is their immense perseverance and resiliency. It is a testament to their character that they have been able to survive and thrive for millions of years. Other marine animals have come and gone, and yet sea turtles continue to exist. That's why it's so important to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day – we must remember and appreciate how magnificent these creatures are and how much they enrich our world of scuba diving.