Sea Turtle Poaching (Primary)

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 4-6 Grade
• 6th,7th Grade

Introduction

Overfishing is emptying the ocean, with 90% of fisheries already overfished. Illegal poaching is having a big impact on species like sea turtles. This lesson focuses on sea turtle poaching.

SEA TURTLE POACHING

Illegal poaching endangering sea turtles.

Current sea turtle species appeared

over 100 million years ago.

Seven main species of sea turtle.

Hawksbill

Green

Loggerhead

Leatherack

Sea Turtle species

Hawksbill

• Weight up to 70kg (154pounds) 90cm (3 feet).

• Hawks beak, which allows to get food from coral reefs.
• 2 claws on front flippers.

Olive Ridley

• 70 cm (2.5 feet) 45kg(100pounds).
• Olive green shell colour.
• Front and rear flippers have a claw.

Sea Turtle species

Kemp Ridley

• 66 cm (2feet) 50 kg (110 pounds).
• Dark green shell, while underside is white or yellowish.

Green

• Grow to 1.1m (4 feet) long and up to 190kg (420 pounds).
• Brown to olive shell, but have green skin.

Sea Turtle species

Loggerhead

•  110 cm (3.5 feet) 170kg (375 pounds).
•  Large head, reddish brown shell.

Leatherback

• Thin layer of tough skin over shell that gives it the appearance of leather.
• 183cm (6 feet) 500kg (1,100 pounds).

Flatback

• Shell is flat compared to other sea turtles.
• 99cm (3.25 feet) and 90kg (198 pounds).

What sea turtle facts do you know?

6 of 7 species are endangered or critically endangered

•    Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley - critically endangered
•    Green and Loggerhead - endangered
•    Leatherback and Olive Ridley - vulnerable
•    Flatback turtles are the only ones not currently listed as endangered, but it is listed as endangered in Australia.

What do you think are the
main reasons why sea turtles
are endangered?

Why sea turtles are endangered?

These include:

• Plastic pollution
• Oil spills
• Coastal development impacting nesting
• Coastal development taking away habitat and food.
• Climate change
• Entanglement in ALD fishing gear
• Bycatch by commercial fishing
• Poaching

Why do you think sea turtles are taken by poachers?

For turtle meat, eggs and

the shells to make ornaments.

Female turtle coming ashore to nest.

How do you think poachers know where and when to find sea turtles?

Female turtles use the same beach to nest on where they were born.

International laws regulate fishing.

Taking eggs takes away the

next generation of sea turtles.

Protecting sea turtles around the world.

International Laws & CITES

CITES - Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, requires that countries who have signed up to CITES must prohibit any trade in sea turtles or anything made from them.

Individual countries may also have their own laws to protect sea turtles.

Patrolling beaches to protect nesting turtles.

How do you think you can
help protect sea turtles?

How can you help protect sea turtles?

• Help stop the use of turtle eggs and meat by spreading awareness.
• Never purchase products made from turtle shells.
• Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests or hatchlings.

How can you help protect sea turtles?

•  If visiting nesting beaches ensure you remove your beach equipment. Eg. Beach chairs, umbrellas and children’s toys, so turtles can come ashore and hatchlings find their way to the ocean.
• Be sure to knock down sandcastles before you leave because they become obstacles for nesting turtles or new hatchlings.
• Don’t drive on nesting beaches, so as not to destroy eggs.

www.seashepherdglobal.org