WHO ARE SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO SAVE SEA TURTLES IN THE UNITED STATES?

 

A list of some of the major players in the fight to save sea turtles is laid out below. But it is important to remember two factors.

First, since sea turtles are highly nomadic and migratory, other than protecting nesting beaches in the US most other efforts that only address the United States will fall short because turtles travel everywhere. Thus some major organizations, especially within our government, actually expend a lot of effort in foreign countries trying to help sea turtles and this means funding groups all over the world. But in this article we focus on America itself.

The second factor is that a great number of very small organizations focus on preserving local sea turtle habitat and rescues. A very large part of the over all national effort is performed by small regional orgs, rescue groups, aquariums and educational groups. It is a great sign that almost every established sea turtle nesting beach has a local group or three working to encourage the turtle population in their area.

Presented here are a few of the major organizations that work with sea turtles in the United States:

GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS:

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AQUARIUMS:

New England Aquarium: Boston, MA

Rehabilitates hundreds of sick and injured sea turtles each year, exceeding previous records by tracking a record number of rehabilitated turtles. They also conduct advanced research, including using drone technology and satellite tagging to protect endangered sea turtles.

Florida Aquarium: Tampa, FL

Has cared for and released nearly 400 sea turtles since 1999, including a state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and focuses on educating the public to advance protection measures for sea turtles.

The National Aquarium: Baltimore, MD

Has a history of rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of endangered sea turtles for over 30 years. Their advocacy supports legislation, like the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act, to ensure long-term funding for these critical conservation efforts.

Other key institutions are the Georgia Aquarium, the Mote Marine Laboratory, Aquarium of the Pacific and Woods Hole Science Aquarium.

LARGE NONPROFITS THAT MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Sea Turtle Conservancy:

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  Founded in 1959, this organization is the world's oldest sea turtle conservation group. It conducts research, education, and advocacy, and protects habitats in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific to ensure the survival of sea turtle populations.

  
  

  Oceanic Society:

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  This nonprofit manages the State of the World's Sea Turtles (SWOT) Program, which supports local conservation projects worldwide. Their work includes protecting nesting beaches, reducing plastic pollution, and improving fishing practices.

  
  

  Loggerhead Marinelife Center:

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  Recognized for its comprehensive efforts, this center is a leader in rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles, conducting research, and educating the public about marine life conservation

  
  

  Defenders of Wildlife:

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  This national organization is dedicated to safeguarding the populations of endangered species, including sea turtles, by promoting species protection and habitat preservation

  Other groups include Oceana, Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle Conservancy and Sea Turtles Forever.

  At SeaturtleSupply we think that it is important to protect sea turtles and their habitat including the food they eat. It's for more reasons than just liking the animals themselves.They maintain a balance in the ocean habitats that we rely on and their health is a good barometer for the over all health of the fish and other resources we receive from the ocean.

  You may want to consider supporting one of these organizations, but if you want to take a more hands on approach there is a good chance that, if you live near the coast, you can get involved directly near your community.

  
  

  
  
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