World Turtle Day!

If you didn't already know, today is World Turtle Day!  Oh my goodness!

This day was established in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue in hopes to raise awareness, increase knowledge and respect of all turtles and tortoises.  This includes the beautiful, graceful and peaceful sea turtles.  Did you know there are only 7 different species of sea turtles?  They are: the Leatherback (the largest - they can reach up to 7 ft long!), the Loggerhead, the Green, the Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley, Olive Ridley and the Flatback (which is only found in Australia).

Unfortunately, sea turtles are common victims of plastic pollution.  You see, with the exception of the Green Turtle, all sea turtles are carnivores and commonly feed on jellyfish.  They are abundant, nutritious and honestly, easy prey for the turtles.  However, the turtles can mistake plastic (especially plastic bags) for a jellyfish.

If you were a turtle, you'd think you hit the breakfast buffet!  The sad truth is they will eat these and either choke on them and drown or it'll cause digestive failure which eventually leads to death.  

So, for the sake of turtles, say NO to plastic bags!  Go with paper or, better yet, get a few reusable bags and keep them with you where ever you go!  Let's keep these guys feasting on the real jellyfish!

 If you're ever in the Juno Beach/Jupiter area in Florida, be sure to stop in to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (or as I called it growing up - The Turtle Museum!).  It's a wonderful (and growing) non-profit education and conservation facility.  It was started by one of my Nana's dear friends, Eleanor Fletcher (lovingly known as The Turtle Lady).  I remember visiting her when I was younger and seeing her home just decorated with turtle stuff from floor to ceiling.  I still have a little wooden turtle box that she gave me!  You could just see the passion in her eyes.  If more people had her enthusiasm, maybe the oceans wouldn't be in such a dangerous state.  She passed in 2009 at the ripe age of 92 but her passion lives on in others.

When it comes to "doing your part" for the ocean, do what you can and then do more.