Sea Turtles… Endangered! By: Mollie Plekan

Background largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 Females deposit their eggs at night in a process that takes 2 hours The average clutch size is eggs, and clutches are produced every 2-4 years The average clutch size is eggs, and clutches are produced every 2-4 years The temperature of the incubating eggs determines the sex of the turtle hatchlings 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 Costal areas are very sensitive, must be managed carefully – breeding area/incubation of eggs Overdevelopment/erosion of beaches 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 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 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 Protected in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 CITES – green sea turtle protection in over 150 countries CITES – green sea turtle protection in over 150 countries The ESA 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 Avoid nests and nesting area Keep bright lights from shining on the beach Keep bright lights from shining on the beach Keep litter off the beach Keep litter off the beach Report poachers to authorities Report poachers to authorities Get educated! Get educated!

Works Cited reenseaturtle.htm reenseaturtle.htm reenseaturtle.htm reenseaturtle.htm y/crush-the-sea-turtle/ y/crush-the-sea-turtle/ y/crush-the-sea-turtle/ y/crush-the-sea-turtle/