World Sea Turtle Day: Celebrating Life by the Shore

After more than 100 million years of survival and evolution, sea turtles continue to play a crucial ecological role in marine environments—from coastal shallows to the deep ocean floor. They serve as food for marine and land predators (including humans), act as consumers of other marine organisms, and even function as living habitats for various small species.

As migratory animals, sea turtles travel between the tropics and subpolar regions, transferring energy across land and sea. They're considered true ecosystem engineers for the way they shape and impact coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy ocean floors.

How Are Sea Turtles Born?

Baby turtles break through their eggs after an incubation period of 45 to 60 days, depending on sand temperature. In a beautifully synchronized effort, they emerge together, digging upward to the surface and racing as a group toward the sea.

This usually happens at night, triggered by the cooling temperature of the sand. Guided by the natural brightness of the ocean horizon, these tiny, fragile hatchlings—just 3.5 to 4 cm long—are born completely independent.

But their journey is dangerous. Many are eaten by predators, while others die of hunger or disease. Out of every 1,000 hatchlings, only one or two reach adulthood—around the age of 30.

What Determines the Sex of a Sea Turtle?

Like other reptiles, the sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature of the sand during incubation. This happens during a critical phase called the thermosensitive period, typically in the middle third of incubation.

At around 29°C (known as the pivotal temperature), about half of the hatchlings are male and half female. Above 29°C, more females are produced—approaching 100% female at around 33°C. Conversely, when temperatures drop near 24°C, the result can be nearly all males.

How Long Can Sea Turtles Stay Underwater?

On average, sea turtles remain submerged for 10 to 30 minutes. The more active they are, the shorter their dives. When they come up to breathe, they spend only two to three seconds at the surface—just enough to release carbon dioxide and inhale fresh oxygen.

However, they can also float for much longer if they want to rest, warm up, eat, orient themselves, or mate.

Why Do Sea Turtles Need to Breathe Air?

Because, unlike fish, sea turtles have lungs—not gills. That means they must come to the surface to breathe.

Still, they are expert divers. Their highly efficient oxygen transport systems allow them to stay underwater for extended periods with minimal air.

How Do Sea Turtles Sleep?

Sea turtles sleep or rest mostly at night, though they may also nap during the day. When in rocky or reef-filled environments, they often sleep tucked under rocks for protection.

In the open ocean, they may float at the surface or rest suspended in the water column—it all depends on the location and the species.

How Big Are Adult Sea Turtles?

It varies by species. The smallest is the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), weighing around 40 kg with a shell length of about 80 cm.

The largest is the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which can reach up to 400 kg and nearly 2 meters in shell length.

Why We Must Protect Sea Turtles:

• Ocean Health: Sea turtles help maintain healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds, supporting species like shrimp, lobsters, and tuna.

• Population Control: They regulate jellyfish, small fish, and invertebrate populations.

• Nutrient Cycling: By consuming decomposing organic matter, they return nutrients to the ocean.

• Ecosystem Engineering: Turtles alter habitats by digging nests and foraging through reefs.

• Genetic Diversity: They play a vital role in sustaining genetic diversity in marine ecosystems.

• Economic Value: Sea turtles can boost local economies through eco-tourism and coastal conservation efforts.

Final Thought

Sea turtles have carried the wisdom of the ocean across generations.

Now, it’s our turn to carry them—toward a safer, more sustainable future.

Let’s protect what protects us.