When P&A Grant Thornton embarked on a journey to integrate sustainability into its operations over two years ago, it sought a symbol to engage its stakeholders, primarily its people. In early 2023, the Firm’s Sustainability Working Group chose the sea turtle as its symbol for sustainability, leading to the birth of P&AWI (read as PAWI), the Firm’s sustainability mascot. P&AWI stands for “pawikan,” the Filipino term for sea turtle.
Sea turtles, with their ancient lineage and remarkable adaptations, have long captured human imagination. These majestic creatures, which have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years, are not only a testament to life’s resilience but also play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems’ health. Now, based on various available studies and research, let’s delve into the greatness of sea turtles by exploring their unique characteristics, ecological importance, the challenges they face, and how we can protect these magnificent creatures.
Ancient Mariners
Sea turtles are among the oldest living reptiles, having survived the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs. Their evolutionary success is evident in their widespread presence across the world’s oceans. There are seven species of sea turtles, each with distinct characteristics and habitats: leatherback, green, hawksbill, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, and flatback turtles.
One of the most fascinating aspects of sea turtles is their ability to navigate vast distances. Using the Earth’s magnetic field as a guide, they embark on epic migrations, often travelling thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. This geomagnetic navigation allows female turtles to return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
Unique Adaptations
Sea turtles possess a range of adaptations that make them perfectly suited for ocean life. Their streamlined shells reduce drag, enabling them to glide effortlessly through the water. Unlike their terrestrial relatives, sea turtles cannot retract their heads or limbs into their shells. Instead, their limbs have evolved into powerful flippers, which they use to propel themselves with grace and efficiency.
The leatherback turtle, the largest of all sea turtle species, has a unique adaptation that allows it to thrive in colder waters. Unlike other sea turtles, the leatherback’s shell is leathery, which helps it maintain buoyancy and withstand the pressure of deep dives. Leatherbacks can dive to depths of over 4,000 feet, making them one of the deepest-diving marine animals.
Ecological Importance
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems’ health. As herbivores, green sea turtles graze on seagrass beds, preventing them from becoming overgrown and ensuring they remain productive habitats for various marine species. By controlling seagrass growth, green turtles help maintain the balance of these important ecosystems.
Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, feed primarily on sponges, which compete with corals for space on reefs. By keeping sponge populations in check, hawksbills help promote coral growth, which in turn supports a diverse array of marine life. This intricate balance highlights the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the crucial role that sea turtles play in maintaining them.
The Circle of Life
The life cycle of a sea turtle is a story of perseverance and survival against the odds. Female sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, often travelling great distances to do so. They dig nests in the sand and lay hundreds of eggs, which incubate for about two months. The hatchlings then face a perilous journey to the sea, with only a small fraction surviving to adulthood.
Once in the ocean, young sea turtles spend several years in the open sea, a period known as the “lost years,” before returning to coastal areas to feed and grow. This journey is fraught with dangers, from predators to human-induced threats such as plastic pollution and fishing nets. Despite these challenges, sea turtles have managed to survive and thrive, a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Threats and Conservation
Despite their resilience, sea turtles face numerous threats in the modern world. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and illegal hunting have all taken a toll on their populations. Many species of sea turtles are now listed as endangered or critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Habitat destruction, particularly the loss of nesting beaches due to coastal development and rising sea levels, poses a significant threat to sea turtles. Climate change also affects the sex ratio of hatchlings, as the temperature of the sand where eggs are incubated determines their sex. Warmer temperatures result in a higher proportion of female hatchlings, which could impact future populations.
Pollution, especially plastic pollution, is another major threat to sea turtles. Turtles often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable fishing practices are crucial to protecting these ancient mariners.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation organizations around the world are working tirelessly to protect sea turtles and their habitats. These efforts include protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch in fisheries, and combating illegal trade in turtle products. Public awareness and education are also key components of conservation, as they help foster a sense of stewardship for these remarkable creatures.
One successful conservation initiative is the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in fishing nets. TEDs allow turtles to escape from nets while retaining the catch, significantly reducing bycatch. Additionally, many countries have established marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard critical habitats for sea turtles and other marine species.
A Symbol of Hope
Sea turtles have become symbols of hope and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Their long migrations and incredible life cycles inspire awe and remind us of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. By protecting sea turtles, we are also protecting the health of our oceans and the countless species that depend on them.
In conclusion, sea turtles are not just remarkable for their ancient lineage and unique adaptations; they are also vital guardians of marine ecosystems. Their greatness lies in their ability to navigate vast oceans, their role in maintaining ecological balance, and their resilience in the face of adversity. As we continue to learn more about these incredible creatures, it is our responsibility to ensure that they remain a part of our world’s oceans for generations to come. They are a beacon of sustainability; our success in protecting and preserving them embodies the hope that humanity will find swifter and more effective ways to safeguard and restore our planet before it’s too late.
As published in The Manila Times, dated 06 November 2024
