Nature threat is something that is inevitable, but the threats that the sea turtles face mostly nowadays are those caused by human. Below are some example of the threats caused by human.

Artificial Lightning

Coastal development have affected sea turtles nestling sites. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the dark and quiet beaches. As hatchlings, sea turtles depend on moonlight to guide them crawl into the sea, yet with the current developments, it often draws hatchlings away from the sea and cause their deaths.

Marine Debris

An estimation of 100 million of marine life species are killed annually because of marine debris. Marine debris can be in the form of rubbish thrown, blown or dumped into the ocean. Scientists assume that there is 100 million tons of plastic debris in the ocean worldwide. These plastics mostly origin from the land, which flows down through streams and rivers.

Plastic, though may take long time, will break down into smaller pieces and this may be consumed by sea turtles. Due to body structure of the sea turtle, the plastic may be trapped inside their stomach which then make it difficult to swallow food.

Turtle Shell Hunting

Sea turtle shell, especially that of the hawkbill, is hunted as jewellery and souvenirs. This can be dated centuries back in Japan, known as bekko, which is commonly used as accessory in wedding dress.

To dates, trade of turtle-shell is considered as illegal in countries that signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 173 countries has signed the agreement, yet Carribean authority still find high rate of illegal shipping of turtle shell and skin.

Climate Change

Sea turtle most of their lifespan on the ocean and climate change in the recent years affect much on their life. Climate changes is known to cause the rise of the sea level which then cause the lost of some beaches. Sea turtle has “imprinted memory”, meaning they have the ability to return to the beach in which they hatched to lay their eggs.

Climate change also causes increase in worldwide temperature. Turtle hatchling sex is dependent on the temperature of nest. Lower temperature results in mainly male hatchling, while higher temperature results in more female. Additionally, there is also probability of no hatchling if the temperature is too high.

There are still a number of threats caused by human, like unsustainable hunting, fishing activities, marine pollution, and sea turtle consumption.