Today, nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered and face increasing risks of extinction due to climate change, habitat loss, illegal trade, and overharvesting.
Sea turtles have played a critical role in marine habitats for over 100 million years by maintaining the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds. If the sea turtle population continues to fall, sea grass beds will also decline and lead to a decrease in the shrimp, lobster, and fish that depend on these beds for survival. This decline will impact both the human harvesting of these commercially important species and the larger marine animals that feed on these creatures.
Founded in 1959, the Sea Turtle Conservancy is the oldest not-for-profit sea turtle organization in the world and is based in Gainesville, Florida. The STC has numerous research, educational, and conservation initiatives that are instrumental in saving sea turtles around the world. Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day with a donation to the STC today.
