Chapter 11, Problem 1CR

To determine

The status of sea turtles and explain the way in which human activities are threatening their existence.

Answer to Problem 1CR

Six out of seven species of sea turtles are in danger of extinction. The construction of features to slow beach erosion or the trapping of turtles in commercial and recreational fishing nets causes threatening to their existence.

Explanation of Solution

Sea turtles are considered as one of the most threatened species among all marine species. Currently, six out of seven species of sea turtles are in danger of extinction mainly due to the activities of humans, which take place during the last 100 years. As a result, the number of sea turtles in the world is reduced to about 95%.

Mainly, the number of sea turtles is reduced when the eggs laid down by them are eaten by birds and other predators. In addition, the blockage caused to the female turtles due to seawalls, sandbags, and other devices, which are designed to slow beach erosion in developed coastal areas, also threatens this species. Also, many adult sea turtles die when they are trapped in commercial and recreational fishing nets accidentally or when they become entangled in ocean debris such as plastic bags and lost or abandoned fishing nets.