Sea turtles need our help. If current trends continue, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles will probably go extinct in the Pacific in our lifetime. Eastern Pacific hawksbills are likely past the point of no return, while green turtles and olive Ridleys are at a fraction of their former populations.

The turtle decline is clear evidence that human activities are causing loss of biodiversity on our planet. If we choose to save Pacific sea turtles, we must confront the challenges of international industrial fishing, widespread small-scale fisheries, traditional harvesting of turtles, illegal poaching markets, and our irresponsible use of plastics.

If we can protect key turtle habitats, we will also be protecting hundreds of other species like whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, seabirds, fish, and living habitat. Often referred to as “flagship” species, sea turtles require a conservation plan that connects all parts of the ocean ecosystem.