Infographic: Sea turtles
For more than 100 million years sea turtles have covered vast distances across the world's oceans, filling a vital role in the balance of marine habitats.
7 species of sea turtles grace our ocean waters and most are endangered
Leatherback
Dermochelys coriacea
Status: Vulnerable
Length: 55–63 in.
Diet: Jellyfish
Loggerhead
Caretta caretta
Status: Vulnerable
Length: 33–49 in.
Diet: Clams, sea urchins
Green turtle
Chelonia mydas
Status: Least Concern
Length: 31–47 in.
Diet: Seagrass
Flatback
Natator depressus
Status: Data Deficient
Length: 31–37 in.
Diet: Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks
Hawksbill
Eretmochelys imbricata
Status: Critically Endangered
Length: 30–35 in.
Diet: Sponges, sea anemones
Kemp's Ridley
Lepidochelys kempii
Status: Critically Endangered
Length: 24–28 in.
Diet: Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks
Olive ridley
Lepidochelys olivacea
Status: Vulnerable
Length: 24–28 in.
Diet: Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks
Deadly threats at every life stage
Bycatch
The incidental capture of non-target species when fishing.
Illegal trade and direct consumption
Used for meat, eggs, shell, leather, curios.
Habitat loss
Uncontrolled coastal development destroys or disturbs nesting beaches.
Climate change
Global warming could skew sex ratios, resulting in more females.
-
90% population decline
of Eastern Pacific leatherbacks over the last 30 years
-
Tens of thousands
of sea turtles are lost each year to overharvesting and illegal trade
-
4,950 turtles are caught
as bycatch each year by Indonesian longline vessels alone
How you can help
Call for a global treaty on plastic pollution
World leaders are negotiating a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution. Add your name in support of an ambitious treaty.
Make a good buy when traveling
Think twice and ask at least a few questions before buying that tortoiseshell souvenir, coral jewelry or snakeskin belt.
Support sea turtle ecotourism
Book a sustainable tour to see turtles, particularly when it benefits local communities.
Sources
- "90% population decline …" statistic from Las Baulas National Park, Costa Rica
- "4,950 turtles caught as bycatch …" statistic from Research Center for Capture Fisheries Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (PRPT)
- More information can be found on the turtle species page.