All seven sea turtle species are threatened or endangered, with the long lives and complex migratory ecology of these ancient animals making their welfare both compelling and challenging to protect.
Sea turtles are long-lived, individually complex animals whose welfare deserves consideration alongside their conservation status. Bycatch entanglement causes drowning in air-breathing animals — death by asphyxiation that is neither quick nor painless. Fibropapillomatosis causes progressive physical deterioration that likely involves ongoing discomfort. The individualization of sea turtle welfare is possible and meaningful — rehabilitation programs track individual animals, document recovery, and confirm successful reintegration. Conservation programs that prevent the causes of sea turtle injury simultaneously address the welfare of individual animals.