At the national and international levels, several agreements and laws have been created to protect these animals. These laws prohibit mistreating or killing any species of sea turtles. It is also illegal to sell turtles or any of their products. Some of the most important international efforts for the protection of sea turtles are: Interamerican Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which has classified six of the seven existing species as threatened.
HOW CAN WE HELP TO PROTECT SEA TURTLES?
Respecting laws and agreements that have been created to conserve sea turtles.
Supporting the establishment of protected areas in nesting sites and environmental education programs in the communities close to them.
Avoiding artificial lights on nesting sites and regulating coastal development.
Reducing the contamination of our planet’s oceans.
Collaborating with scientific research on sea turtles.
Not buying or consuming turtle eggs and meat, and not using articles made with turtle products.
Sharing knowledge gathered in courses and workshops with others.
Informing authorities of anyone who infringes laws protecting turtles.
Practicing arts of fishing that diminish incidental capture and bycatch.
Trying not to abandon nets in the sea, lending aid to injured turtles and freeing them
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