Marine turtles have been navigating the oceans for over 100 million years, making them one of the oldest surviving species on the planet. These ancient reptiles undertake incredible migrations, traveling thousands of miles between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Their ability to return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs is a marvel of nature, with scientists still studying the mechanisms behind their remarkable navigational skills.

There are seven species of marine turtles, including the green turtle, leatherback, and hawksbill. Despite their long history, all species of marine turtles face significant threats from human activities. Pollution, particularly plastic waste, poses a severe risk as turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, a common food source. In addition, climate change is affecting turtle nesting sites, as rising temperatures alter the sex ratio of hatchlings, which is temperature-dependent.

Conservation efforts to protect marine turtles include creating protected nesting sites, reducing bycatch in fishing operations, and increasing public awareness about the importance of keeping oceans clean. Marine turtles are key species in maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems for numerous marine creatures.