The main goal of this petition is to keep sea turtle populations thriving and stable after coronavirus lockdowns ends. The current coronavirus stay-at-home orders have led to a spike in Florida’s sea turtle population. These restrictions and the enforcement social distancing mean less plastic waste and pollution of the beaches and the oceans these turtles call home. By reducing waste going into Florida oceans, sea turtles can be protected from harmful pollution infiltrating their ecosystems and habitats. However, social distancing and stay-at-home orders won't last forever, and humans will eventually return to the beaches, along with their pollution.

We must ensure that the current improvements last after humanity eventually goes back to their regular livelihoods. Sea turtles have been some of the most endangered aquatic creatures over the last decade due to various factors such as plastic pollution, climate change, and the sale and trade of their eggs and meat. When humans ultimately return to the beaches, there is high likelihood that nest disturbances and other threats to turtles will once again increase. The protection and success of sea turtle reproduction should be the default, not a one-time limited occasion.

The recent sea turtle population boom is reason to celebrate, but we must not become complacent in our protection of their environment based on this success. Sign this petition to urge Florida’s government to ensure the survival and flourishing of sea turtles long after the lockdown is over.