Sea turtles are ancient mariners, gracefully navigating the world's oceans for over 100 million years. These reptiles are characterized by their large, streamlined shells (carapaces) and paddle-like flippers, which make them remarkably adapted to life at sea. They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the globe, playing vital roles in marine ecosystems.

There are seven distinct species of sea turtles: Green, Loggerhead, Kemp's Ridley, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Flatback, and Leatherback. Each species has unique characteristics, diets, and nesting behaviors. For instance, the Green sea turtle is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae, while the Leatherback, the largest of all sea turtles, feeds mainly on jellyfish and can dive to extraordinary depths.

Sea turtles undertake long migrations between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Females return to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, a remarkable feat of navigation. After digging a nest and laying clutches of eggs, they cover the nest and return to the sea, leaving the hatchlings to emerge and make their perilous journey to the water on their own.

Unfortunately, many sea turtle populations are threatened or endangered due to human activities. Threats include habitat destruction, pollution (especially plastics), accidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), and climate change, which affects nesting sites and ocean temperatures. Conservation efforts worldwide are crucial for protecting these magnificent creatures and ensuring their survival for generations to come. These efforts involve protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch, combating pollution, and raising public awareness.