Reptiles

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Welfare: Coral Reefs and the Shell Trade

Hawksbill sea turtles are critical to coral reef health, feeding on sponges that would otherwise overgrow corals. They are Critically Endangered due to shell trade, bycatch, and habitat loss.

Key Facts

Hawksbill turtles are named for their narrow, pointed beaks used to extract sponges from reef crevices
Their shells — known as tortoiseshell or bekko — are used to make jewellery, combs, and ornaments
Over 9 million hawksbill turtles were killed for their shells in the 20th century
They are the most marine-associated of all sea turtles, rarely coming ashore except to nest
CITES Appendix I bans international trade in hawksbill products but domestic trade continues in some countries

Welfare Considerations

Hawksbill turtles killed for their shells are often boiled alive to separate shell from body — a practice causing severe suffering. Bycatch in fishing gear causes drowning and hook injuries. Their extremely slow recovery rate means that even small mortality events delay population recovery by decades. Coral reef degradation eliminates foraging habitat, forcing turtles to travel further and expend more energy, reducing body condition and reproductive success.

What You Can Do

Never purchase tortoiseshell or bekko products regardless of claimed age or legality
Support coral reef protection and restoration that preserves hawksbill foraging habitat
Donate to hawksbill nesting beach protection programmes in the Caribbean and Pacific
Report suspected tortoiseshell product sales to wildlife trade authorities