Sea Turtle Mission

Most species are migratory, traveling long distances between nesting and feeding grounds, sometimes thousands of kilometers apart. Turtles are believed to live over 80 years, though their exact lifespan is uncertain. Sexual maturity varies by species—Olive Ridley turtles mature in 7-15 years, Green turtles take up to 50 years, while the largest species, the Leatherback, matures in 20-30 years. Male turtles develop long claws on each fore flipper and a longer tail upon reaching maturity. The way females find their nesting beaches remains a mystery, though some scientists believe they navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field. Turtles often return to the same stretch of beach each year to nest.

Seven species of marine turtles remain, representing two families—Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae—all of which are threatened by human activity. Unlike some reptiles, mother turtles do not care for their young. After laying eggs, they leave them to incubate in the sand, heated by the sun. The incubation period lasts about 60 days, after which the hatchlings emerge. As they move in the nest, sand falls, creating an “elevator-like” platform that pushes the hatchlings to the surface. They emerge at night when it’s cooler and safer from predators like rats, crabs, and birds.

Upon reaching the ocean, the hatchlings are not free from danger. Inshore waters are home to sharks, large fish, and seabirds. They swim continuously for about 48 hours, relying on the remains of the egg yolk in their stomachs for nourishment. This “juvenile frenzy” helps them escape predator-rich inshore waters and get swept into open ocean currents. During this time, they feed on tiny sea animals. Much about their first year, often called the “lost year,” remains a mystery.

It is believed that once female turtles reach maturity, they return to the same beach where they hatched to nest. However, only one in a thousand eggs survives to become an adult turtle in the wild.

What Threats Are Sea Turtles Facing?

Sea turtles face several significant threats that impact their survival, including:

Habitat Destruction caused by coastal development, including construction, leads to the destruction of critical nesting beaches. Erosion, along with the loss of coral reefs and seagrass beds, further contributes to the loss of vital habitats for sea turtles.

Climate Change poses major risks through rising temperatures, sea levels, and ocean acidification. Higher sand temperatures at nesting sites can alter the sex ratios of hatchlings, as turtle sex is temperature-dependent during incubation. Additionally, climate change disrupts ocean currents, affecting sea turtle migration patterns and food availability.

Pollution, particularly plastic debris, severely threatens sea turtles. Ingesting plastic, often mistaken for food, can lead to internal injuries or death. Chemical pollutants, such as oil spills and pesticides, contaminate both their habitat and food sources.

Bycatch is another significant threat, as sea turtles are unintentionally caught in fishing gear like nets, longlines, and trawls. Bycatch can result in severe injuries or death due to drowning, as turtles must surface for air.

Illegal Trade and Poaching continue to threaten sea turtles, with their meat, shells, and eggs harvested for use in traditional medicine and as delicacies.

Light Pollution on beaches can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the sea and into danger. Light pollution also discourages females from nesting, negatively impacting reproduction rates.

Predation of eggs and hatchlings by birds, crabs, raccoons, and dogs further endangers sea turtle populations, especially in their early stages of life.

Boat Strikes are a severe threat, as collisions with boats and ships often result in severe injuries or death, particularly in areas with heavy boat traffic.

Our Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

We are dedicated to rescuing sea turtles that have been harmed by human activity, including boat strikes, plastic pollution, and fishing-related injuries. Many of the turtles we rescue have lost their fins due to boat collisions, leaving them vulnerable. We provide a safe space for them to recover and ensure they can hatch their eggs without the risk of destruction on land.

For the wounded turtles, we take them into our care, treat their injuries, and, whenever possible, release them back into the wild. However, those that are too injured to be released are given a permanent home in our sanctuary, where they are cared for and protected.

How Can I Help Sea Turtles?

You can help protect sea turtles by preserving their habitats, reducing plastic use, and properly recycling to prevent pollution. Advocate for turtle-friendly legislation, respect nesting areas, and raise awareness about the importance of turtle conservation. You can also adopt a turtle through conservation programs, volunteer to patrol nesting beaches, collect eggs, record data, release hatchlings, and educate local communities