Page 345 - Central America
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ne of the most significant threats now coast of Florida, conservationists dig up Maybe they understand that we are also
sea turtle eggs and relocate them to fenced air breathing animals when they see the
O comes from by-catch due to impre- nurseries to protect them from beach traf- air bubbles ascending to the surface when
fic. Another major threat to sea turtles is we exhale. They swim through water as a
cise fishing methods. Long-lining has been black-market trade in eggs and meat. This bird flies through air; using their powerful
identified as a major cause of accidental is a problem throughout the world, but es- front flippers to propel themselves through
sea turtle death. Sea turtles must surface to pecially a concern in China, the Philippines, the oceans waters as a bird uses its wings.
breathe. Caught in a fisherman’s net, they India, Indonesia and the coastal nations of These gentle creatures will remain in close
are unable to surface and thus drown. Latin America. Conservationists in Mexico human contact as long as no threatening
and the United States have launched “Don’t affirmative movements are made by the
S ome relatively inexpensive changes Eat Sea Turtle” campaigns in order to re- scuba diver. We have witnessed sea tur-
to fishing techniques, such as slightly duce this trade in sea turtle products. tles many times swimming gently and ef-
larger hooks and traps from which sea fortlessly with us; acting as tour guide and
turtles can escape, can dramatically cut C limate change may also cause a threat ambassador of the coral reefs they inhabit.
the mortality rate. Turtle Excluder Devices to sea turtles. Since sand temperature When in close contact with these explor-
(TEDs) have reduced sea turtle bycatch in at nesting beaches defines the sex of a sea ers of the sea, it makes every scuba diver
shrimp nets by 97 percent. Another danger turtle while developing in the egg, there feel as a child again; bringing excitement
comes from marine debris, especially from is concern that rising temperatures may and providing a lifetime of memories. Their
abandoned fishing nets in which they can produce too many females. However, more long lifespan, offset by the low ratio of one
become entangled. research is needed to understand how cli- turtle surviving to adulthood for every 100
mate change might affect sea turtle gen- turtle eggs laid; makes it critical we all take
B each development is another area der distribution and what other possible action to protect these magnificent crea-
which threatens sea turtles. Since many threats it may pose. tures.
sea turtles return to the same beach each
time to nest, development can disrupt S ea Turtles are magnificent creatures, as
the cycle. There has been a movement to curious about us as we are about them.
protect these areas, in some cases by spe-
cial police. In some areas, such as the east
