Sea turtles are not just interesting to look at – they play an important role in keeping the oceans clean and healthy....
world sea turtle day
For millions of years, sea turtles swam freely through the vast oceans of the world but now, in the modern world, they face a serious threat, and that threat is us – humans. This should be the message behind World Sea Turtle Day, which is observed every year on June 16. The day reminds us that even though these gentle reptiles are strong and have survived for so long, they now need our help more than ever.
Sea turtles are not just interesting to look at – they play an important role in keeping the oceans clean and healthy. A total of seven types of sea turtles have been found in different parts of the world: the green turtle, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, Kemp’s ridley, leatherback, and flat back. Each one contributes in its own special way to the health of the marine ecosystem. For instance, green turtles feed on sea grass, which keeps the seabed clean and allows other creatures to grow and thrive. Leatherback turtles mainly eat jellyfish, which helps control their population. If sea turtles were to disappear, the balance of life in the sea could easily fall apart.
One of the most amazing things about sea turtles is their sense of direction. When a female turtle is ready to lay eggs, she travels thousands of miles across the ocean to return to the very same beach, where she was born. Scientists believe she uses the Earth’s magnetic field to find her way, although there is still much, we do not know about how this works. After laying her eggs in the sand, the tiny hatchlings must face a dangerous journey to reach the sea. On their way, many are eaten by birds, crabs, and other predators. Even if they make it to the water, their journey is far from safe – the ocean is full of dangers too.
In Pakistan, we are lucky to have some of these beautiful creatures on our coasts. The sandy shores of Sindh and Balochistan serve as nesting grounds for green turtles and olive ridleys. But these areas, unfortunately, are also full of threats. One of the biggest problems is plastic pollution. Our beaches and seas are filled with plastic bags, bottles, fishing nets, and other waste. To a sea turtle, a floating plastic bag looks like a jellyfish. If the turtle eats it, the plastic can block its digestive system and eventually cause death. Oil spills, industrial waste, and careless human behaviour only add to the danger, poisoning the waters and harming marine life.
Fishing is another major threat to turtles, especially in a country like Pakistan, where many people depend on the sea for their livelihood. Sea turtles often get caught by mistake in fishing nets – something known as bycatch. When they are trapped underwater and cannot come up to breathe, they drown. One solution is to use Turtle Excluder Devices, which allow turtles to escape from nets while keeping the catch inside. Sadly, these devices are still not widely used in Pakistan, often because people are unaware of them or cannot afford them.
Climate change is yet another danger. Rising sea levels are slowly washing away the beaches, where turtles lay their eggs. What many people also do not realise is that the temperature of the sand where eggs are buried affects the sex of the baby turtles. Warmer sand tends to produce more females. In some places, including near Karachi, almost all hatchlings are female. This growing imbalance could cause serious problems for turtle populations in future.
There is also the issue of illegal hunting. Some turtles, like the hawksbill, are hunted for their beautiful shells, which are used to make jewellery and other ornaments. Others are killed for their meat or their eggs, which are collected and sold even though there are laws against it. These cruel practices have pushed some species closer to extinction.
Despite all these challenges, there is still hope. All over the world, including Pakistan, people are working hard to protect sea turtles. In Karachi and Balochistan, for example, special zones have been set up to protect nesting sites. During the nesting season, dim red lights are used instead of bright white so that the baby turtles are not confused and can find their way to the sea. Awareness campaigns in schools teach children about the importance of sea turtles. Community groups near the coast are learning how to look after turtle nests, report sightings, and even guide tourists in ways that are safe for the environment. When local communities get involved and understand the value of these reptiles, positive change starts to happen.
World Sea Turtle Day also celebrates the work of Dr Archie Carr, a scientist who spent his life studying and protecting sea turtles. His efforts inspired many of the conservation projects that are now helping turtles across the globe. On his birthday, June 16, events take place in many countries – including Pakistan. These include beach clean-ups, awareness walks, educational talks, and campaigns on social media. More and more people, especially the youth, are getting involved each year.
Everyone can do something. Refusing to use plastic bags, picking up litter when visiting the beach, and supporting local fishermen who use turtle-safe methods can all make a real difference. Tourists visiting beautiful places like Gwadar or Mubarak Village should be careful not to disturb turtle nests or buy items made from turtle shells. Respect for nature is the first step towards protecting it.
Saving turtles is about saving our oceans. Sea turtles are like messengers – when they are in danger, it is a sign that the ocean itself is in trouble. And the health of the ocean matters to all of us. It affects our weather, our food, and even the air we breathe. By protecting sea turtles, we are also protecting the future of our planet.
Sea turtles have survived through time, but now due to serious threats from pollution, climate change, and human activity, it is our responsibility to protect their existence. We must act now to ensure that sea turtles are not lost forever.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com
