Marine+Turtles

= ~ ...Marine Turtles... ~ =   -Chris There are seven species of Marine Turtles in the world, but only six of them appear in Australian waters. These six are: Marine Turtles have lived in the sea for more than 100 million years. They have a large shell called a carapace. They also have 4 strong paddle like flippers and of coarse, lung for breathing air. Their beak-like mouth helps to shear and crush food. All marine turtle species are facing threats to their survival. Main threats include pollution and changes to turtle habitats- especially coral reefs and sea grass beds. Other threats are accidentally drowning in fishing gear, over harvesting and attacking of the young by foxes, feral pigs and dogs. In australian waters, loggerhead and olive ridley turtles are listed as endangered, and may become extinct if threats to them continue. Some turtles are said to be listed as vulnerable which means they might become endangered if threats continue. These vulnerable turtles include the green, leatherback, hawksbill and flatback turtles. As you can see, marine turtles are an important creature in our marine waters and must be protected from threats as some species are endangered and, in the future, could become extinct. We can prevent this from happening by not discarding old fishing lines, nets, plastic or other pollutants on beaches or into the sea. You can also help by being on the lookout for marine turtles while boating, to prevent injuries to them. There are many other things you can do to help and find out about marine turtles, so jump onto the environment.gov.au site and help save these amazing creatures! I hope this information above is helpful to you... References:  http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/turtles/index.html   Google images. -Chris
 * Flatback turtle (Natator depressus)
 * Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
 * Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
 * Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
 * Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
 * Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)