On World Turtle Day, we want to do our bit to raise awareness about the dangers humans pose to sea turtles, and encourage everyone to take steps in helping to protect these fascinating creatures especially during hatching season. Here are seven things you can do to get started right away.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
1. Clean up the beaches
If you're lucky enough to live or vacation near a tropical beach, volunteer to help clear the litter that's left by tourists as well as the rubbish that gets washed up from the sea itself.
You'd be astounded at the amount of waste that finds its way into our oceans; the sort of waste that can cause serious damage to sealife such as turtles if they eat or get tangled in it.
2. Avoid unnecessary plastic waste
If you're not likely to be near a beach anytime soon, you can still do your bit for the environment by monitoring the amount of plastic waste you produce. This includes avoiding picking up one-use plastic bags; not buying packaged fruit and vegetables; not using disposable straws, coffee lids, one-use plastic cutlery and clingfilm; and avoiding buying canned drinks packaged with plastic six-pack rings. Furthermore, recycle everything you possibly can and, where possible, use biodegradable materials.
We understand, though, that no matter how careful you are about your plastic waste, you are still going to amass a considerable amount. But we have a solution; consider making eco-bricks out of unrecyclable plastic. These are plastic bottles that are densely packed with non-recyclable, flexible plastic materials such as snack wrappers, plastic bags and polystyrene, and can - believe it or not - be used as building materials. Not all of us would necessarily find use for such things, but you can look online to find local places where you can donate them.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals
Try and use eco-friendly cleaning and garden supplies, or make sure you dispose properly of hazardous materials. Toxic waste often finds its way into the ocean resulting in much of the wildlife being poisoned.
4. Turn off your lights
If it is within your power to do so, turn off any lights and extinguish any fires that could be seen from the beach where there are sea turtle hatchlings. That also means no going down to the beach at night with a flashlight during nesting seasons. If you must use one, cover it with red cellophane.
Sea turtles navigate their way to the sea using moonlight, so artificial lighting could disrupt their journey or send them in the wrong direction. Plus, lots of strange lights may put females off nesting there.
5. Do not disturb the hatchlings
While it's fine to observe the turtles, don't get in their way and don't make any attempts to "help" the hatchlings unless you are an expert; you could be doing more harm than good. If you suspect a turtle is injured or in trouble, immediately contact your local rescue service.
Likewise, when you're boating nearby keep away from areas where sea turtles are active, and be mindful when fishing and never stray into prohibited or protected areas.
6. Donate to wildlife charities
There are so many charities out there that are dedicated to protecting sea turtles and other wildlife, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), See Turtles, 4ocean, Turtle Foundation, Save The Sea Turtle Foundation among others. You can set up a direct debit for regular payments, adopt a nest of sea turtle hatchlings or set up your own fundraiser for a charity of your choice.
You can also purchase goods from AmazonSmile; it's exactly the same as shopping on Amazon, only certain charities get a percentage of the profits at no extra cost to you.
7. Buy sustainable seafood
Always ask your fishmonger about the sustainably of their produce and make sure you check for the blue MSC label whenever you buy seafood from the supermarket which shows that the product has been responsibly sourced with minimal damage to aquatic environments.
Unfortunately, there are fishing practises that are damaging to sea turtles and their habitats, so making sure you don't buy into their methods is the best way to put them to an end.
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