This post is written for the “Save the Ocean” group-writing project. This is a repost from my turtle blog, The Turtle Talks.

Seven species of sea turtles roam the world’s oceans but unfortunately, their populations are threatened by a number of human-related activities. Hotels and houses built near turtle nesting beaches have reduced their nesting grounds, and artificial lightings in this buildings disorient hatchlings.

As if that isn’t enough, adult turtles are captured for eggs, meat, leather and shell, seriously reducing their populations. Sea turtles also die from ingesting plastic bags, balloons and other garbage, drown in fishing nets, injured by long-line fishing hooks, etc. Many efforts are currently underway to conserve sea turtles and restore them to healthy populations, e.g. the Caribbean Conservation Corporation & Sea Turtle Survival League, the Sea Turtle Restoration Project and the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation, to name a few.

Image credit: Turtle meat for sale in Iquitos Market by RAStr.

But that doesn’t mean that you have to be a scientist or a conservationist to help save our turtles. In fact, there are many things that one can do to help save the turtles from going the way of dinosaurs:

1. Never approach turtles emerging from the sea or disturb or harass nesting turtles by making noise, shining lights or trying to ride them. Watch nesting turtles by joining one of the many permitted turtle walks conducted by experienced guides.
2. Never eat turtle eggs, meat, steaks or soup when you are traveling overseas. When there’s demand, there will be killings.
3. When snorkeling or diving, never grab or try to catch a ride on a sea turtle. They breathe air and can be seriously stressed by being held under water.
4. Never buy products made from sea turtles or any other endangered species.
5. Adopt-A-Turtle (Malaysia) to support sea turtle conservation. For more information on the turtle adoption programs that are available, please consult your local sea turtle conservation programs.
6. Reduce the amount of plastic garbage you produce. Consider how much plastic trash your street produces in a day, the whole city, the state, the nation. Think about how you and others can get through each day using less plastic and locate a local plastic recycle center.
7. Tell people how helium balloons harm sea turtles. Helium-filled balloons are frequently released into the sky to celebrate events. Like plastic trash, helium balloons end up in the ocean, especially when released near the coast. Sea turtles mistakenly eat the balloons and die.
8. Reduce the amount of chemicals you use. Many people use chemicals and fertilizers on their lawns and gardens. Used motor oil and paints are deadly to plants and animals if not disposed of correctly. Many of these chemicals get washed into coastal lagoons and wash up on beaches. Find biodegradable lawn and garden products that you can use and facilities that properly dispose of toxic chemicals.
9. Write a letter to the Editor of your local newspaper that inform your community about the plight of sea turtles and other marine wildlife.
10. Become informed about environmental issues and spread the word to others. Support conservation groups that are active in sea turtle issues such as Turtle Aid Malaysia, the Ocean Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation.

January 2008 is “Save the Ocean” month here at The Giving Hands. Click here for more information on how you too, can save our oceans, and remember to subscribe to The Giving Hands for your daily updates!