Guardians of the Deep: Charting the Rescue of Sea Turtles in the 18th Century Seas (Also Me)

Why I Want To Take A Ride On A Turtle?

Imagine the pitch-black expanse of the 18th-century ocean, a realm fraught with mystery and unpredictability. Amidst the vastness, a vigilant sailor stands on night duty, attuned to every thud and bang resonating through the waves. For the ship's captain, these ominous sounds are a call to swift action, heralding the approach of land, a vital moment for navigation and the safety of the crew.

In those bygone days, the oceans teemed with sea turtles, a sight once as common as the vibrant reefs they inhabited. Alas, the sea turtles of today face a grim reality, with nearly all species now listed as 'endangered.' Throughout history, turtle hunting, known as 'turtling,' has left its mark. From the traditional consumption of their meat to the more recent pursuit of their shells, these majestic creatures have borne the weight of human activities. Often caught as 'bycatch' in fishing nets, their survival is threatened on multiple fronts.

One of the gravest threats they face is the acidification of oceans, a peril that directly impacts their coral reef 'homes,' leading to starvation and suffering. The poaching of their eggs, combined with the disturbance of nesting sites by tourism, poses another significant challenge. As our plastic waste infiltrates the seas, turtles fall victim to the illusion of plastic bags as jellyfish, or worse, the agony of ingested plastic straws and fishing nets that entangle and suffocate them. The consequences of this pollution cascade through the ecosystem, accumulating toxins and magnifying the threat along the food chain.

However, let us not forget the profound importance of these ancient beings. Throughout history, sea turtles have been our companions, offering us invaluable insights. From Darwin's groundbreaking work on the Galapagos tortoises, shaping his theory of human evolution, to the knowledge they provide about coastal erosion and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, they have been our teachers, imparting wisdom and understanding.

In the grand tapestry of life, sea turtles weave a crucial thread, connecting us to the ocean's wonders and mysteries. The yearning to ride atop a sea turtle is a beautiful dream, but it's a dream that must be deferred until we secure their survival. As stewards of this planet, we must rally together, to protect and restore the habitats that sustain these ancient mariners. The journey to save them is not just for their sake but for ours, a voyage through time that ensures the continuity of nature's wonders for generations to come.

Peace Out

P.S I love turtles