Recent research reveals that over 1.1 million sea turtles have been unlawfully killed or trafficked from the period of 1990 to 2020. The Green (56%) and Hawksbill Sea Turtles (39%) suffer the most exploitation, spotlighting a stark reality for these marine species.
A Glance at the Study’s Highlights
The study indicated a 28% decline in poaching activities, but not without alarming figures that point out over 44,000 turtles are targeted annually over the last decade.
Despite protection laws, the analysis showed that turtles faced exploitation in about 65 countries or territories across 44 marine turtle regional management units worldwide.
The Illegal Trade Hotspots and Impact of Climate Change
Southeast Asia and Madagascar emerged as the primary epicentres of illegal sea turtle trade, especially the critically endangered Hawksbills. Vietnam proved to be the most common origin country for unlawful trafficking of sea turtles, whereas China and Japan turned out to be the major destinations for almost all trafficked sea turtle products. The turtles are killed for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells, further threatened by habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear.
Climate change has adversely affected turtle nesting sites by altering sand temperatures, which in turn influences the hatchlings’ sex ratio. The increasing temperatures in Queensland’s north (Australia), attributed to climate change, have nearly eliminated male Green Sea Turtles’ births.
Global and Indian Initiatives in Play
In efforts to combat these threats, several global and national initiatives have been undertaken. For instance, the residents of eastern Indonesia’s Maluku Province harvested around 75% of leatherback turtle eggs in 2017. Thanks to education and community outreach conducted by organisations such as the World Wide Fund, turtle egg harvesting has reduced by about 10%.
In India, plans are underway to tag approximately 30,000 Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha. The operation will boost scientific research on these species and help draft effective conservation frameworks.
Understanding Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are aquatic reptiles known for their streamlined bodies and large flippers that make them well-suited for ocean life. The sea turtle family includes Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Green, and Olive Ridley turtles. Found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, these five species cover the most extensive range among sea turtles.
There are two more species – Kemp’s Ridley, found mainly around the Gulf of Mexico, and the Flatback Turtle, located around northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. However, their habitat range is notably smaller compared to the other species.
Where Conservation Status Stands
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified most sea turtle species under threat categories. Green turtles are designated ‘Endangered’, Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridleys as ‘Critically Endangered’, and Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles as ‘Vulnerable’. Notably, data on Flatback Turtle’s population status is deficient.
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), all seven sea turtle species are listed in Appendix I, indicating a ban on international trade involving these species and their derivatives.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Spotlight on Sea Turtles
A question about sea turtles and other marine species featured in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2019. This highlights the growing recognition of the importance of marine life conservation in global discourse. A focus on spreading awareness and understanding about these ecologically significant species could pave the way towards their preservation.
