“World Sea Turtle Day honors Dr. Archie
Carr, who was born on June 16, 1909. He helped people understand how amazing
sea turtles are and is often called the "Father of Sea Turtle Biology,”
said Periwinkle. Thanks to him, people learned how important it is to protect
sea turtles! Today also helps raise awareness because most sea turtle species
are endangered or critically endangered due to pollution, poaching, climate
change, and getting accidentally caught in fishing gear.
Stinky looked down and said, “That's sad. Sea turtles need
our help. ” Periwinkle gave him a hug and said, “Unlike freshwater turtles, sea
turtles can't pull their heads and flippers into their shells. They traded that
protection for powerful swimming abilities, which helps them travel thousands
of miles through the ocean. That also means things like plastic bags and
fishing line can be especially dangerous for them. If they survive to adulthood, many can live 50
to 100 years!” Both tabbies said, “Wow! That's a lot of birthdays.”
As they arrived at the beach, Periwinkle shared more information about turtles. "They help keep our oceans healthy. Green sea turtles maintain seagrass meadows, hawksbill turtles help coral reefs by eating sponges that can overgrow corals, and sea turtles move nutrients between land and sea. Of course, Stinky had to jump on the railing to show Periwinkle the Fragile Plant sign. She rolled her eyes but was happy that he didn't step on the dune or go any higher.
Stinky asked, "What kind of sea turtles do you have here in
Satellite Beach, Periwinkle?"
Periwinkle told him, " We are very lucky because loggerhead sea turtles nest right here along Florida's Space Coast beaches, including Satellite Beach!" Stinky mentioned that they have seen the nests marked off during nesting season.
Stinky got excited when he saw the beach. "What is that brown stuff?" he asked. Periwinkle told him it was sargassum. Sargassum is a type of floating seaweed that acts like a tiny, moving jungle in the ocean. Instead of growing on the ocean floor, it drifts on the surface in large mats, using tiny gas-filled bubbles to float. Baby animals use it to hide from bigger fish. Sea Turtles and fish use it as a safe nursery to grow up.
They spotted two burds in the sargassum, probably enjoying a snack. (Sorry Tabbies)
Periwinkle went on to say, "That's because loggerheads need our protection.
Female loggerheads come ashore at night between about May and October to lay
their eggs in the sand. Then the babies hatch later in the summer. Remember, we saw babies hatch on one of our
Adventures." Stinky said, “That's right! Tiny hatchlings emerged from their
nests and made an exciting dash to the ocean. They often use the
moonlight reflecting on the water to help guide them, don't they? Let's look at the video again." They got Periwinkle's Mom's phone and watched squeeing as they saw the babies run to the water.
Periwinkle was impurressed that he remembered so much and
said, “Exactly! That's why keeping our beaches dark at night is so impawtant.
Bright lights can confuse hatchlings and send them in the wrong direction.”
Stinky then asked, “What makes loggerhead turtles special?” Periwinkle
told him, “Loggerheads are named for their large heads and powerful jaws. They
use those strong jaws to crush crabs, conchs, and other hard-shelled prey. Adult
loggerheads can weigh between 200 and 400 pounds, and some grow even larger.”
Amazed, Stinky said, “Wow! That's a lot of turtle.”
Periwinkle went on to say, “Loggerheads are also impawtant to our coastal ecosystem. Their nesting activity helps move nutrients from the ocean to the beach, supporting plants and wildlife along the shore. So when we protect loggerheads, we're helping the whole beach ecosystem. Every protected nest helps give these amazing turtles a better chance for the future. They spotted tracks that led to a nest and were impurressed that the Mommy turtle went all the way up to the dune. (You can see the track where she went up and then came down after laying her eggs)
Stinky added, "I think that's something every beach visitor should
know." Periwinkle agreed, “Me too! Here in Satellite Beach, we're proud to share
our shoreline with these incredible sea turtles. How can we celebrate World
Sea Turtle Day? There are lots of ways!” Stinky quickly said, Let's make a
list!
2. And if you're on a nesting beach, flatten sandcastles and fill in holes so baby turtles can safely reach the ocean
3. Use turtle-friendly lighting near beaches. Hatchlings use the moon's reflection on the water to find the ocean, and bright lights can confuse them.
4. Reduce single-use plastics and choose reusable items whenever possible.
Stinky added, "and fifth, always respect wild turtles. Give them plenty of space and never buy products made from tortoiseshell. Periwinkle smiled and said, “That’s excellent advice. Sea turtles have survived for millions of years. We should do everything we can to help them continue their incredible journey. Both tabbies exclaimed,” Whether you're picking up trash, reducing plastic use, or simply sharing information, every small action can help protect these amazing ocean travelers.”
Periwinkle & Stinky both said, "Happy World Sea Turtle Day! Let's help keep our oceans and beaches safe for sea turtles today and every day!"
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