Sea Turtles Are Majestic

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are ancient marine reptiles that have lived in Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years. Seven species exist today, including the green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. They inhabit warm and temperate waters around the world and may travel thousands of miles between feeding and nesting areas.

Although sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean, females return to sandy beaches to lay their eggs. After hatching, the tiny turtles crawl toward the water and begin a dangerous journey filled with natural predators and harsh conditions. Those that survive play important roles in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds, coral reefs, and food webs.

Sea turtles now face serious threats from plastic pollution, fishing gear, coastal development, illegal hunting, and climate change. Protecting nesting beaches, reducing ocean waste, and using turtle-safe fishing practices can help these remarkable animals survive for generations to come.