And the turtles, of course...all the turtles are free, as turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be. - Dr. Seuss
Every single sea turtle species found in U.S. waters is endangered.
Sea turtles are gentle, long-lived creatures that struggle to cope with the poor conditions of our oceans: disorienting lights, destructive beach vehicles, plastic pollution, entanglement in leftover debris, harmful algal blooms, red tide events, and climate change-related cold snaps.
Sea turtles are rightfully protected under the Endangered Species Act, but they still face dangers. Turtles often end up stranded on our shores because of severe weather or food shortages.
Sea turtles have swum the ocean for over 110 million years. Some individuals can live 50 years or more. Female turtles can lay dozens of eggs in buried sand nests called clutches during each reproductive season.
They’re also avid travelers. These marine marvels will cross thousands of miles of water between their foraging areas and nesting beaches.
The largest sea turtle species is the leatherback, named for their softer, more flexible outer shell that feels more like leather than the hard shells of box turtles. They can grow to weigh up to 1,600 lbs and reach lengths of 6 feet!
One of the most fascinating and beloved creatures in marine life are sea turtles – big, small, or massive – they are multi-colored jewels of the ocean that have evolved to be graceful, agile swimmers capable of making long journeys throughout their lives.
It’s a big, wide ocean out there, and there is plenty of space for all of us. With smart regulation from local governments, wise choices by ocean-goers like you and me, and fully-funded federal agencies like NOAA, we can keep turtles safe and swimming through the seas for many years to come.
For sea turtle futures, please fill out our form and include your comments on why NOAA turtle funding should be restored. Thank you.
Steady on,
Rob
