Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Ancient mariners of the ocean, until recently marine turtles survived in great numbers in tropical and temperate waters.  But in the last century over-exploitation, disturbance of nesting beaches and marine pollution have caused a rapid decline in global populations.  Today turtles are hunted for their meat, shells and eggs and are among the world’s most vulnerable animals.  Populations take a long time to recover, as turtles are slow to reproduce, not maturing till 30 years.  Even though females lay hundreds of eggs, only one in a thousand survives to become an adult.

Part of the Marine Campaign