Depending on the species, sea turtles feast on anything from seaweed to jellyfish. They consume squid, barnacles, sponges and sea anemones, among other creatures, while green turtles—the herbivores—primarily eat sea grasses and algae.
Each sea turtle species uniquely affects the diversity, habitat and functionality of its environment. Whether by grazing on seagrass, controlling sponge distribution, feasting on jellyfish, transporting nutrients or supporting other marine life, sea turtles play vital roles in maintaining the health of the oceans.
Currently, we kill an estimated 4,600 turtles every year due to fishing -- they are wrapped in the nets or hooked on bait lines set for fish. However, a new report shows that this represents a 90% reduction of sea turtles as bycatch since 1990. So, is 4,600 deaths is good news?Sep 14, 2011
Beaches and dune systems do not get very many nutrients during the year, so very little vegetation grows on the dunes and no vegetation grows on the beach itself. This is because sand does not hold nutrients very well. Sea turtles use beaches and the lower dunes to nest and lay their eggs.
Take a look at a few simple yet important steps that you can take during your beach days to protect sea turtles.Minimize beach lighting. ... Avoid beach fires during the nesting season. ... Keep beaches and waterways free of trash! ... Don't disturb nesting females. ... Stay alert when boating.
Adult sea turtles have a few predators, mostly large sharks. Tiger sharks, in particular, are known for eating sea turtles. Killer whales have been known to prey on leatherback turtles. Fishes, dogs, seabirds, raccoons, ghost crabs, and other predators prey on eggs and hatchlings.
Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions and lifestyles. The biggest threats include: Entanglement in fishing gear. Poaching and illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells.
1. Turn Out Lights Visible From the Beach!Sea turtle hatchlings use light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night. ... Reduce the Amount of Garbage You Produce and Clean Up Trash You See On the Beach.Sea turtles can become tangled in plastic and trash both on the shore and in the water.More items...
Sea turtles can bite. They have sharp beaks and extremely strong jaws. A sea turtle bite is unlikely (or so I believed), but it can really hurt! It can also cause a serious bruise or break the skin, or even break bones.