Abstract
Despite extensive research, many mysteries surround sea turtles and their behaviors. Marine turtles have adapted over millions of years to fill a particular niche, traversing land and sea throughout their lives. Although marine turtles have endured climatic shifts in the past, anthropogenic influence is leading to rapid global change with which they might not be able to keep pace. Despite a history of conservation efforts, the looming threat of climate change imperils marine turtle populations. Higher air, sand, and ocean temperatures have been shown to affect sea turtles in numerous respects. Warmer temperatures skew sea turtle sex ratios, while extreme heat reduces overall reproductive output. Rising sea levels are anticipated to inundate swaths of shoreline habitat as intensifying storms disrupt coastal and pelagic ecosystems. Five sea turtle species are known to nest on beaches in the United States: loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and Kemp’s Ridleys. Of these, loggerhead and green sea turtles comprise the majority of nesting counts. Although these two species display a remarkable capacity to adjust their behavior and diet to different environmental conditions, there are limits to how much these turtles will be able to endure without assistance. Latitudinal shifts in ecosystem ranges are anticipated in the coming decades, which will bring both turmoil and opportunity for sea turtle populations. Limited resources will require that deliberate choices be made regarding conservation efforts; Scientists and policymakers must be able to pinpoint the locations and conditions that will allow turtle populations to reap the greatest ecological benefits. Finally, the barrier between the scientific community and the general public must be breached for management efforts to stand the test of time. As humanity and sea turtles alike are met with a variety of challenges from climate change, informed research and practices will be crucial. In the coming years, a myriad of environmental changes will almost certainly rock the world as we know it, but key insights and informed decisions will allow sea turtles to weather the storm.
