Why care?

Sea turtles are important because they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. Below is a summary of some of the major points. 


They act as a habitat for other organisms and facilitate nutrient cycling

Sea turtles provide a habitat for certain organisms, such as algae and barnacles, to attach to the turtle's shell and travel around the ocean. As they travel, the turtles and their passengers consume nutrients and expel waste in different places, which facilitates nutrient cycling. 

Their shells host algae/microorganisms that fish eat

Sea turtles also provide a source of food for certain species of fish, who set up "cleaning stations" that the turtles visit from time to time. The fish eat algae and microorganisms off of the turtle. Here's a fun video of the process. 

They help maintain ocean habitats and balance the food web

Green sea turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds by grazing on the seagrass, preventing overgrowth. If the seagrass beds overgrow, the grass will decompose and provide a habitat for fungi and slime molds to grow. These beds are an important breeding ground for fish and crustaceans. These fish and crustaceans, in turn, act as a food source for other marine life. 

They help maintain healthy coral reefs

Hawksbill sea turtles help maintain healthy coral reefs by controlling the sponge population. Sponges compete with coral for space and resources, and could take over the reef if their growth continues unchecked. Hawksbills use their sharp beaks to tear through a sponge's outer defenses, exposing the soft inside for fish to eat, and making the sponge vulnerable to predators. Then the turtles have a great sponge dinner. 

They help maintain beach dunes and habitats for land animals

Sea turtle eggs are important in maintaining beach dunes. Unhatched eggs act as a source of nutrients to the grass that grows in these sandy dunes. The grass provides structural support for sea dunes and inhibits erosion. The dunes and the grass together provide both a habitat and source of food to the land animals who live there.


All of this because of sea turtles!



You can visit these websites for more information on why sea turtles are so important! 


Why healthy oceans need sea turtles -- from Oceana.org

Why Care? -- from the Sea Turtle Conservancy

Significance of sea turtles -- from the World Wildlife Fund


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