Man has been a huge
factor in the changes in our world. If fact, the start of Industrial Revolution
became the spark of environmental destruction, creating carbon-polluted air,
garbage-polluted seas and worse, global warming. These changes in the world have
affected not only the environment but also all those living in it, including
the marine turtles.
Each second that passes by demeans the Marine Turtle population; as man
hunts them for their meat and their precious shell. Man has regarded them as
food and ornaments, forgetting that Marine Turtles protect us out in the sea.
How so? Well you see Marine Turtles’ shells are sting-proof. Their sting-proof shells
help them evade deadly box jellyfish and enable them to eat the jellyfishes.
The sting of a box jellyfish can kill a man and Marine Sea Turtles are able to
keep the shores of tropical beaches safe for humans. These Sea turtles are
responsible for eating the sea grasses, making the sea grass beds healthy. This
allows the sea grass beds to provide breeding and developmental grounds for
several species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans.
But the raising of the global temperature or Global warming makes it
more difficult for Marine Sea Turtles to survive. Global warming is caused by
the phenomenon called Greenhouse effect. This is described as the trapping of
heat due to large amounts of greenhouse gases ( cabonmonoxide, carbondioxide,
etc) in the air and the unable resistance of the atmosphere from heat and
radiation penetration because of the thinning of the ozone layer. Now this
Global Warming raises the global temperature by a notch or two, making the ice
caps in the North and South Pole melt, raising the sea level and covering the
beach shores which are the breeding grounds of baby marine turtles. Not only
that, since the ozone layer is thinning, the surface of the water is directly
heated by the sun, causing changes in water temperature and movement. Immediate
changes in the Marine Sea Turtles’ environment make it difficult for them to
adapt, making a large population die.
We all say that we can do
nothing about it because we are all just students but that’s not true. In fact,
here are 3 simple ways on how to save the Marine Turtles:
1. Be
a spark of change. One of the two main causes of Marine Turtle’s verging
extinction is Global Warming. As a student, we can throw trash properly, reuse
things and recycle trash. The simple ‘not throwing your candy wrapper’ on the
streets may start you ecologically friendly existence. And also, influence your
friends in doing the same thing. Collective action against global warming is
the ultimate solution.
2. Be
an Advocate. Joining groups that advocate the protection of wildlife is one
great way in contributing to the fight against the second main cause of Marine
Turtle’s verging extinction: Hunting. In advocacy groups, people advertise the
importance of the protection of wildlife. In this way, you can influence other
people to be vigilant in protecting the Pawikans.
3. Educate.When minds are enlightened, rational actions are made. Share your knowledge
about the importance of Marine Sea Turtles and how we could protect them. The
simple knowledge sharing is a good method of encouraging people to your
advocacy. Let’s not forget that knowledge is power and we can use this power to
conserve the Marine Turtles.
If we follow these three simple tips, we can go a long way in protecting
our cute little buddies, the Pawikans!!! :D
