Help Sea Turtles Survive
There are seven species of sea turtles. They include the Flat Back, the Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, the Olive Ridley and Kemp's Ridley. Sea turtles can be found all over the world's oceans, coastal bays and inlets in the tropic and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. Owing to the many threats that sea turtles face worldwide, it is estimated that less than 1 in 1000 sea turtles survive to adulthood and mate.
Among the many threats to the sea turtles are things you might expect: pollution and pollutants, habitat degradation through coastal development, boat strikes, and entanglement in marine debris that can cause accidental drowning. But there are others, including ingestion of marine debris, harassment, and poaching. In the United States, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retain jurisdiction over the laws and policies related to sea turtles. And all but the Flat Back and Olive Ridley can be found in the state of Florida. Green Turtles can be spotted on the southeast and southwest coasts of the United States. The Flat Back, however, is only found in Australia. As not all turtle species are found in every area, which species you can see depends on where you go. Sea Turtles all share a similar mating and reproductive pattern. The females, which come to shore only to lay eggs (clutches), can Lay anywhere from 40 to over 200 at a time in a nest they dig beyond the tide line.
It is exciting to see sea turtles while snorkeling or wading in tide pools. In Hawaii', the sea turtles are known to emerge from the sea to bask on the lava. Although it is forbidden to touch them, it is possible to get close-up views of these very special creatures that can live well over 100 years. Popular places to find sea turtles: Florida, North & South Carolina, the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico. The turtle card measure (H x L) 6" x 9" (15.24cm x 22.9cm), is printed on laminated plastic so that it is stiff, shiny and waterproof. It has a hole for a lanyard, so you can actually take it diving or snorkeling.
