Hawksbill turtles are an essential species to our marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. However, they are on the brink of extinction. Their vibrant shells make them a target for illegal poaching, while illegal and harmful fishing practices continue to threaten their population. With fewer than 25,000 nesting females remaining globally, the need to take immediate and decisive action has never been more urgent.

Hawksbill turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reefs, as they consume potentially dangerous sponges. This, in turn, supports countless marine species as well as human livelihoods. The removal of this species could have devastating consequences far beyond just the loss of a single species. It would represent a significant blow to marine biodiversity and the overall health of our oceans.

Several harmful fishing practices, including the use of trawl nets and gillnets, often result bycatch and death of these turtles, only further threatening the hawksbills' population. Combatting these practices is critical to ensuring the survival of hawksbill turtles.

We hope for an immediate ban on fishing techniques that do not use turtle excluder devices (TEDs), mandatory adherence to sustainable fishing guidelines, and increased enforcement of poaching laws worldwide. 

Join the movement to save the hawksbill turtle. Sign this petition to encourage governments and environmental organizations to act now before it's too late.