Hawksbill Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

Nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as endangered, including the Hawksbill Turtle. The main contributing factors for this are climate change, and plastic pollution in our oceans. Warming ocean temperatures influence their migration by altering currents and impacting the distribution and abundance of their prey. This can cause certain species to become displaced, with southern species being found further north than their usual range. The sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature of the sand that incubates its eggs. Warmer temperatures produce females, cooler temperatures produce males. With climate change, there is a considerable imbalance in gender, and a decrease in breeding pairs. Plastic pollution in the ocean can be mistaken as food by the turtles. Jellyfish and seaweed make up most of their diets, and it is easy for the turtles to become confused by similar-looking plastic bags and fishing nets. This plastic consumption causes many health issues, such as internal blockages, choking and air pockets in the gut. 52% of all sea turtles have eaten plastic particles.