Sea turtles have played vital roles in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans for

more than 100 million years. These roles range from maintaining productive coral

reef ecosystems to transporting essential nutrients from the oceans to beaches and

coastal dunes.

Major changes have occurred in the oceans because sea turtles have been virtually

eliminated from many areas of the globe. Commercial fishing, loss of nesting habitat

and climate change are among the human-caused threats pushing sea turtles

towards extinction. As sea turtle populations decline, so does their ability to fulfill

vital functions in ocean ecosystems.

Our oceans are unhealthy and under significant threat from overfishing, pollution

and climate change. It is time for us to protect sea turtles and rebuild their

populations to healthy levels as a vital step in ensuring healthy and resilient ocean for the future