Sea turtles are among the most captivating creatures in the marine world. Having lived in Earth’s oceans for over 100 million years, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, all seven species of sea turtles are now classified as threatened or endangered due to human activities. This makes sea turtle conservation more urgent than ever before.

Why Sea Turtle Conservation Matters

Sea turtles contribute significantly to ocean health. For example, green turtles maintain seagrass beds by grazing, which supports breeding grounds for fish and other marine species. Hawksbill turtles feed on sponges, preventing them from overtaking coral reefs, while leatherbacks help control jellyfish populations. When sea turtle numbers decline, the entire marine food web is disrupted.

Therefore, sea turtle conservation isn’t just about saving one animal group—it’s about preserving the health and productivity of the world’s oceans.

Major Threats to Sea Turtles

Understanding what endangers sea turtles helps us take better action toward their protection. Some of the leading threats include:

1. Plastic Pollution – Many sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to ingestion that can block their digestive systems.

2. Climate Change – Rising sand temperatures affect the gender ratio of hatchlings, while stronger storms destroy nesting beaches.

3. Poaching and Illegal Trade – Turtles are hunted for their shells, meat, and eggs, pushing some species to the brink of extinction.

4. Fishing Nets (Bycatch) – Thousands of turtles die annually after being accidentally trapped in fishing nets.

Addressing these issues is central to every effective sea turtle conservation strategy.

Global and Local Conservation Efforts

Worldwide, many organizations and governments are taking action to protect sea turtles. Efforts include beach cleanups, community education, protection of nesting sites, and the use of turtle-excluder devices in fishing nets.

Here in Nigeria and across Africa, the Lekan Bakare Foundation is committed to promoting sea turtle conservation through awareness campaigns, marine protection initiatives, and collaboration with coastal communities. By educating local residents and empowering them to participate in protecting nesting sites, we can create a sustainable path for sea turtle recovery.

How You Can Help

You don’t have to be a marine biologist to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways individuals can support sea turtle conservation:

• Reduce plastic use by choosing reusable bags and bottles.

• Participate in or organize beach cleanups.

• Support organizations dedicated to marine wildlife protection.

• Spread awareness about the importance of sea turtles to ocean ecosystems.

Even small actions can have a lasting impact when multiplied across communities.

Final Thoughts

Sea turtles have survived for millions of years, but they now depend on us to survive the next century. Through dedicated sea turtle conservation efforts, education, and policy support, we can help restore their populations and preserve the beauty of our oceans.

At the Lekan Bakare Foundation, we believe that protecting sea turtles is a shared responsibility—one that ensures cleaner oceans and a better future for all living things.