Stand Up

Protect Sea Turtles

Help Protect Sea Turtles

Dating back to the time of the dinosaurs, sea turtles once numbered in the millions. But today all seven sea turtle species are struggling. They face habitat loss, commercial fishing, oil spills, beach driving and more. Pollution is a major concern: One study found that 86% of all sea turtles have some sort of plastic in them.

The good news is there is plenty you can do to keep sea turtles swimming into the next millennium. And you can do it whether or not you live or vacation in an area where they are found.

No matter where I live, to help sea turtles, I will make this pledge.

Contact Information

*Required fields

* Title:

* First Name:

* Last Name:

* Your Email:

* Address 1:

Address 2:

* City:

* State / Province:

* ZIP / Postal Code:

* Phone Number:

Enter your mobile phone number below to sign up for text alerts (msg & data rates may apply)

Question - Not Required - Mobile Phone Number (Join the Defenders mobile action network):

If you have not already registered, you will receive periodic wildlife e-updates and calls to action from Defenders. Privacy Policy

I Pledge To:

* Personalize your message

Get rid of plastic 
Avoid plastic bags and Styrofoam. Plastics that get into our waterways can eventually make it to sea, where sea turtles can mistake them for food. If this trash blocks their digestive tract, they will die. Don't release balloons outdoors, they often end up in the ocean, especially when released near the coast. Sea turtles mistakenly eat the balloons and die.

Research my seafood 
Think twice before eating shrimp or other seafood that is not caught with turtle-friendly gear. Sea turtles caught in commercial fishing gear cannot surface for air and often drown.

Dim the lights
At night, turn out lights visible from the beach. Sea turtle hatchlings use the moon's reflection on the waves to find their way to the water at night. Artificial lighting confuses them, causing them to head inland rather than to the sea.

Keep beaches clean
Clean up trash on the beach--even if it's not mine. Properly discard garbage and food scraps to avoid attracting predators like raccoons and foxes that can prey on eggs and hatchlings.

Clear the way
Remove recreational equipment like lounge chairs and toys from the beach at night. These obstacles can deter nesting females, and make it harder for hatchlings to get to the water.

Be on the lookout
Be aware of sea turtle nesting areas on the beach, and avoid them. Sea turtles are cute and tempting to touch, but I will keep my distance. I will also not use flashlights around nesting sea turtles.

Do my part year-round
Even when I'm not at the beach, I know my actions can impact the wildlife there. Toxic cleaning products can enter waterways and end up in the ocean. I will make careful, informed choices about the products I buy for my home and yard.

Boat carefully
Many sea turtles are struck and killed by boats. When boating in sea turtle territory, I will wear polarized sunglasses and keep an eye out for basking sea turtles.

Sign the Pledge!
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]