Marine turtles are also victims of by-catch, destruction of their habitats (beach development, sea

reclamation and degradation of feeding areas, such as reefs and sea grass beds), and ingestion of plastic
trash and various marine debris. It is estimated that over half of marine turtles have eaten plastic, which
could potentially kill them.

Of the five species of marine turtles in the Philippines, four are considered endangered and one—the
hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)—is critically endangered.

Only 1 percent of turtle eggs laid survive—around 0.2 percent as estimated by scientists, if human
impact is factored in, according to the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines.

This means that, with the recent arrest and the destruction of the eggs, 19 potential turtles have been
killed—off-nesters that should be coming back in 35 to 50 years, when they reach reproductive age, to
lay up to 1,000 eggs per season.

This is why every egg is important—a single egg lost is a great loss to the population. It should be
emphasized that such smuggling happens on a daily basis in the Turtle Islands, whether the perpetrators
are caught or not.

The life of a marine turtle spans more than a hundred years. So when making a conservation plan, we
need to think long-term. The problem is not to be addressed only by one community and one
administration, but requires sustained efforts through several administrations and generations.

Sea turtles can be spotted around the globe. Adults of most species are found in
shallow, coastal waters, bays, lagoons, and estuaries. Some also venture into the
open sea. Younger sea turtles of some species may be found in bays and estuaries, as
well as at sea. 
Despite the abundance of interest and love of sea turtles they are still endangered.
There are many factors that contribute to the threatened lives of sea turtles. One
main cause of the death of sea turtles is from hunters. Marine turtles are hunted for
their meat, eggs and their shell, which is usually used for tools and ornaments (Clark,
2004)
Marine turtles have been in our oceans for over 100 million years. They’re brilliant
navigators, swimming hundreds or thousands of kilometres between feeding and
nesting grounds. But they face lots of threats along the way – so we’re doing all we can
to help them.

Marine turtle population estimates (including those stated above) are based on the
number of egg-laying females – we can’t be sure of the numbers of elusive sea-dwelling
males, or females that aren’t breeding. But we do know at least six of the seven species
are at risk of extinction.

They are considered as fundamental link in marine ecosystems. They help in

maintaining the health of sea grass beds and coral reefs that benefit commercially
valuable species such as shrimp, lobster and tuna. Marine turtles can lay more than 150
eggs per clutch, and lay several times each season, to make up for the high mortality
that prevents most marine turtles from reaching maturity. It was discovered that six of
the seven species are at risk of extinction (WWF, n.d)

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas),

Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)
, Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
, Flatback (Natator depressa)

EGG POACHING AND DIRECT CONSUMPTION

Hunting and egg collection for consumption are major causes of the drastic
decline in marine turtle populations around the world. Marine turtle eggs
are considered an aphrodisiac in some countries and eaten raw or sold as
snacks in bars and restaurants.

BYCATCH
Each year, tens of thousands of turtles are trapped in shrimping operations. Marine turtles are
reptiles so when they cannot reach the surface to breathe, they drown. Gill nets and long-line
fisheries are also principal causes of marine turtle mortality.  Marine turtles are caught annually
in trawls, on long-line hooks and in fishing nets.

ILLEGAL TRADE
High demand and market prices for marine turtles shells – particularly the
hawksbill – and leather products made from leatherback turtles, threatens
the populations of these vulnerable species.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Changing climate and global warming have the potential to seriously impact
marine turtle populations. Marine turtles have temperature-dependent sex
determination. A change in global temperatures alters sand temperatures,
which then affects the sex of hatchlings and increases the risk for
population instability.

MARINE DEBRIS AND POLLUTION

Marine turtles can mistake floating plastic materials for jellyfish and choke
to death when they try to eat them. Discarded fishing gear entangles marine
turtles and can drown or render a turtle unable to feed or swim. Rubbish on
beaches can trap hatchlings and prevent them from reaching the ocean. Oil
spills can poison marine turtles of all ages.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOSS OF NESTING AND FORAGING HABITATS

Uncontrolled development has led directly to the destruction of critically important nesting
beaches. Lights from roads and buildings attract hatchlings and disorient them away from the
sea.  Human and vehicle traffic, along with beach restoration projects that include dredging and
sand filling, destroys nearshore feeding grounds and alters nesting beaches.