Marine Animals

Marine Turtle Nest Protection and Bycatch

Sea turtle populations remain threatened by bycatch in fishing gear, coastal development destroying nesting beaches, and climate change altering sand temperatures.

Key Facts

All seven sea turtle species are listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered
Females return to their birth beach to nest, sometimes traveling thousands of miles
Climate change skews sex ratios as warmer sand produces more females
Longline and trawl fisheries kill tens of thousands of sea turtles annually
Nest protection programs have helped some populations begin to recover

Welfare Considerations

Sea turtles experience suffering from entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic debris, and disorientation from coastal lighting. Bycatch drowning is a significant cause of mortality. Nest protection efforts benefit welfare by reducing predation and human disturbance during the vulnerable nesting and hatchling stages.

What You Can Do

Support sea turtle nest protection volunteer programs
Choose seafood from fisheries using turtle excluder devices
Reduce coastal lighting during nesting season if you live near beaches
Never purchase sea turtle products including shells and eggs
Advocate for stronger bycatch reduction regulations in your country