Avoid plastic bags and balloons
Use reusable cloth bags when you shop. Properly pick up and dispose of any litter that you see on the beach or in the water. Don't use helium balloons in your celebrations.
Don't disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings
If you live in a turtle nesting area, turn out all night lights during nesting season and when hatchlings emerge, keep your distance. If you see a female laying eggs or find a nest, make sure you know where the spot is and report it to your local conservation group.
Donate to conservation organizations
There are many groups doing research and advocacy for sea turtles and the environment. See our useful links page for some suggestions.
Advocate for sea turtle protection
Contact your congressional representatives and let them know that you believe the Endangered Species Act provides important protections, and that you support the requirement that shrimp trawlers use Turtle Excluder Devices in their nets.
Learn how to write an effective letter to congress.
Reduce your pollution
Reduce, reuse and recycle to limit the amount of garbage you produce. Walk, bike or bus to lessen your use of gas and oil. Learn about non-toxic alternatives to using harsh chemicals that often end up in waterways.
Watch movies
As simple as it sounds, movies are a great way to generate discussion on important conservation issues. Films such as Finding Nemo, Discover the Blue, Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure or watch Animal Planet's new series, Caught in the Moment. This ten part series features defining animal moments across the globe such as the Olive Ridley turtles in the midst of their annual arribada.
Check out this link for more sea turtle related movies.
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