Whilst marine turtles live in the ocean, they are actually reptiles and need to surface in order to breathe. Often what happens is as they swim up to the surface, they become trapped in fishing gear and end up drowning. This is completely unnecessary. WWF promote the use of less harmful fishing gear which can cut the number of turtles that are captured accidentally by as much as 80%.

Unfortunately, even aquatic animals suffer from human-induced habitat destruction. The turtle is unique in the sense that the female turtle needs to lay her eggs on a very specific beach. Coastlines are often prime real estate and end up being developed which results in the destruction of nesting beaches and with them any possibility for females to lay their eggs. By adopting a turtle, you will be helping WWF create and expand marine protected areas so this doesn’t happen.

In some cultures, turtles are prized for their meat and some locals will raid turtle nests for eggs which are considered to be a delicacy. Education can offer some respite to this difficult situation. By adopting a turtle, you will be helping to fund the efforts of WWF as it seeks to educate local communities about the importance of managing and conserving their natural resources which includes ensuring that marine turtles continue to survive. Your money will also be used to enhance the efforts of law enforcement in the prevention of illegal trade in turtles.

It’s no secret that sea levels are rising. Increasing temperatures are also wreaking havoc on the weather. Rising sea levels combined with increased frequency and intensity of storms is causing damage and destruction of nesting beaches. Without these beaches eggs will not be laid and it doesn’t take much to work out what impact that will have on turtle populations. By adopting a turtle you can help fund WWF’s efforts in its fight against climate change and hopefully mitigate its impact on a species that is at serious risk of disappearing.