Science Saving the Sea Turtles in Trouble

On September 20, 2017, Science Daily displayed the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s new statement on a study that could save the sea turtles. Despite the fact that sea turtles have historically suffered population declines for reasons that include accidental catch and harvesting adults and eggs, the study on the world's seven sea turtle species gives evidence that their numbers are growing overall, which is unlike many other endangered vertebrates. In past history, sea turtles have had a history of populations decrease, so tactics like strict fishing regulations and beach protection measures were put into action.

Tori Lanner, a sophomore at HF, tells us that she “loves the idea that scientists are making progress in helping the sea turtles,” and she hopes that this same progress can also be made with other endangered animals on Long Island.

To analyze the current global status of sea turtles, Antonios Mazaris and his colleagues studied and examined 4,417 annual estimates of sea turtle nests, based on specific time periods of nesting data collection that ranged in length from six years to fourty-seven years. A sophomore, Skya Theobald, claims that “We should also protect the sea turtles and other marine animals by reducing pollution in our oceans.” Although there has been much progress regarding rises in sea turtle population and an increase in their survival as a species, they still remain an endangered species. As 9th grader, Melina Sandel blantly exclaimed, “Don’t hurt the sea turtles - It’s common sense!”. Moving forward, there is still a need for more updated and continuous nesting site information, but scientists are definitely on the right track.