The six sea turtle species that can be found in the Caribbean region are classified as follows according

to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

Leatherback Turtle Vulnerable Green Turtle Endangered Loggerhead Turtle Endangered Hawksbill Turtle- Critically Endangered Olive Ridleys Turtle Vulnerable Kemps Ridleys Turtle Critical Endangered

Sea turtles generally live in tropical and sub tropical waters. Some sea turtle habitats includes: Beaches -an expanse of sand or pebbles along a shore. 2. the part of the
shore of an ocean/sea.

Sea Grass Beds-grass from land adapted to

live and reproduce while submerged in Seawater

Coral Reefs -Coral reefs are underwater

structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals

Sea Turtles are important because they have aesthetics and ethical values. Sea turtles also plays an intricate part in ecological stability. Some examples of their role in the ecosystem are as follows:
1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

They feed other organisms, e.g., insects, crabs, fish Sea Turtles act as environmental indicators. They provide a habitat for an array of animals, e.g., cleaner fish, and various barnacle species, Sea turtles make substantial nutrient and energy contributions to beaches, promoting plant growth, stabilizing beach and dune Systems. Green sea turtles graze sea grass beds, increasing the productivity of those areas. Leatherback turtles are major jellyfish predators, providing natural ecological control of jellyfish populations.

Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions, The biggest threats include: Entanglement in fishing gears Poaching and illegal trades of eggs, meat, and shells Coastal Development Ocean Pollution - plastic and other marine debris Global warming Ocean Pollution

Sea turtles are an intricate part of their ecosystem. If they are wiped out, many marine and terrestrial plant and
animal species will also be affected.

Some ways we can conserve sea turtles includes:

Enforcing national and international laws to minimize

illegal trades, commercial fishery , pollution and disturbances at nesting beaches.

Continue research and monitoring activities so that the population can be monitored and conservation efforts can be focused where they are most needed.

Increase public awareness and community participation in sea turtle conservation through educational programs such as this.

Sea turtles found within the Caribbean Sea are protected under Jamaicas Wild Life Protection Act, 1945) within its territorial waters and its Economic Exclusive Zone .