Christian Saravia
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are one of many marine species that are facing significant challenges due to climate change. Green sea turtles, like many of us, depend on a specific balance in their ecosystem. Unfortunately, these reptiles are facing a range of obstacles due to global temperatures rising and shifting environmental conditions. Some of these disruptions include altered nesting sites, survival rates of hatchlings, coral reef health, rising sea levels, and storm intensity. Fortunately, there are ways to help these turtles.
Nesting Sites
Green sea turtle nesting site temperatures are being altered due to climate change. This is a big issue because temperatures play a crucial role in the sex determination of green sea turtle hatchlings. The temperature of the nesting site where the eggs are incubated determines the sex of the hatchling. Warmer temperatures result in more female hatchlings while cooler temperatures result in more male hatchlings. As global temperatures rise, more female hatchlings are produced, which skews the sex ratio of green sea turtle hatchlings. This is a threat to the long-term survival of this species because it reduces genetic diversity. Extreme heat may also result in the desiccation of nests, which can lower the viability of green sea turtle eggs, which will result in lower hatch rates.
Hatching Survival Rates
Not only do increased temperatures affect the biological sex of the hatchlings, but they also affect their chances of survival. Increased sand temperatures cause hatchlings to be at risk of overheating and dehydrating before they even have the chance to emerge from their nests. Higher temperatures may also result in accelerated development in hatchlings, which can cause them to emerge when conditions are less favorable, like when predators are more active or during the hottest part of the day. This can contribute to lower survival rates, which further threatens the population of green sea turtles.
Coral Reef Health
Green sea turtles are herbivores that utilize coral reefs for the seagrass and algae found within and around them. Unfortunately, climate change has caused widespread coral bleaching and ocean acidification which damages the habitats of coral reefs. Coral reef health decline is a threat to green sea turtles because it causes food scarcity. This causes nutritional stress and lowers rates of reproductive success. Another negative consequence for green sea turtles caused by the loss of coral reefs is a reduction in shelter and protection from predators, which can make it hard for them to live out their entire lifespan.
Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise poses a direct threat to green sea turtles and their nesting beaches. As the sea levels rise, sandy shores that green sea turtles rely on for laying their eggs are now being submerged and eroded. Because of sea level rise, green sea turtles have trouble finding a safe and suitable nesting habitat. Nesting habitats could also be flooded due to sea level rise, which would then lead to the loss of green sea turtle eggs. Losing nesting habitats also causes green sea turtles to compete for remaining space.
Storm Intensity
Climate change has caused intense and frequent storms, which have had negative consequences on green sea turtles. Storms can wash nests away, erode beaches that green sea turtles rely on, and displace adult turtles while they’re in migration. Higher wave action and storm surges caused by intense storms, can also flood nesting sites and drown green sea turtle hatchlings. Storms also can disturb marine habitats that the turtles depend on for food.
How Can People Help?
There are many impacts of climate change on green sea turtles. From reduced survival rates for hatchlings to displacement, while migrating, they face many threats and challenges every day. Fortunately, green sea turtles are not alone. As humans, we can address the challenges that these turtles face and even help mitigate these impacts through several conservation efforts. We can support programs that protect nesting beaches by reducing artificial lighting and predation risks. This will ensure that conditions are safer for hatchlings to reach the ocean. Reducing plastic pollution through beach cleanups and advocating for stronger regulations on plastic production can prevent turtles from becoming entangled or ingesting plastic. Supporting the use of turtle-exclusion devices in trawl nets can prevent and reduce accidentally catching turtles, this would ensure the turtles are safer while migrating. We can also spread awareness about the impacts of climate change, specifically greenhouse gas emissions. This is beneficial to green sea turtles because greenhouse gas emissions alter their nesting environments and increase ocean temperatures. Educating others and advocating for sustainable practices can help alert and inspire communities. This can help mitigate the long-term effects of climate change on green sea turtles. Through these efforts, we can help sustain the green sea turtle population and ensure their safety and survival.
Citations
1. Oceana Europe. (2022, September 23). Threats to sea turtles. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://europe.oceana.org/threats-sea-turtles/
2. Green turtles and climate change. (n.d.). WWF Australia. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/green-turtle/green-turtles-and-climate-change/
3. Information About Sea Turtles: Threats from Climate Change. (n.d.). Conserve Turtles. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://conserveturtles.org/information-sea-turtles-threats-climate-change/#:~:text=A%20rise%20in%20the%20sea,repeat%20their%20ancient%20nesting%20ritual.
4. Fisheries, N. (2023, July 19). Green Turtle. NOAA. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/green-turtle#:~:text=or%20seriously%20injured.-,Climate%20Change,nests%20or%20wash%20them%20away.
5. How Can You Help Sea Turtles? (n.d.). The State of the World’s Sea Turtles | SWOT. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://www.seaturtlestatus.org/how-you-can-help