Saving Sea Turtles: Extraordinary Stories from the Battle against Extinction

by James R. Spotila

In April 2007, eleven leatherback turtles captured the imagination of the public worldwide as they “raced” from Costa Rica toward the Galápagos Islands. Known as the Great Turtle Race, this event tracked these critically endangered sea turtles, drawing attention to their fragile status and generating data on the turtles vital to efforts to study and protect them. But the Great Turtle Race is just one of many tools marine conservationists use to inform people about the status, biology, and lives of the seven sea turtle species. Due to human actions, once-plentiful sea turtle population levels plummeted throughout much of the twentieth century, stabilizing somewhat only after Archie Carr and Jacques Cousteau popularized their plight. With Saving Sea Turtles , award-winning author James R. Spotila picks up where Carr and Cousteau left off, going inside the modern-day conservation movement to tell the tales of today’s sea turtle conservationists. He provides a complete overview of sea turtle biology and life cycles, discusses the human and natural world threats they face, and examines the new methods and technologies humans are using to save them. Throughout, Spotila dots the narrative with stories of real-life heroes who risk life and limb to understand, track, and conserve sea turtles across the globe. Spotila has been at the forefront of sea turtle research and conservation for decades. His inspirational story of dedicated individuals, creative endeavors, and adventure reveals what is being done and what else we must do in order to ensure that these fascinating animals continue swimming in the oceans.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2011

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Sea Turtles is a well-crafted narrative which includes descriptions of Jim Spotila's and others work to protect the endangered sea turtle of the world. He covers not just his work and that of his closest colleagues, but also the work of other biologists around the globe. Bringing everyone who is concerned about sea turtle conservation together into a sort of family of conservationists. I am part of this family. I have joined the team of biologists in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. This project is one of the prominent stories carried on throughout the book. A history of Playa Grande and el Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas is very well explained by Spotila who was very instrumental in its creation. While highlighting his efforts in great detail, many others are acknowledged for their continuous efforts. Many details regarding these efforts are clearly explained in a way that demonstrates the evolving and progressing practices within conservation. The book has a steady flow of information and overall is a quick read. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in conservation and the growing impacts we have on the planet.

[Caley Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring and engaging account of the struggles and successes of global sea turtle conservation efforts, particularly those in Costa Rica. Especially enjoyable reading with a background in science but easy to read for a layperson. The little turtle crawling up the left-hand pages is a nice touch too.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Spotila conducts a worldwide study into what is causing the decrease in sea turtles throughout the world. Going beyond just what is causing it, though, he carefully explicates why the decline is so important to all living things.




The biggest curiosity seems to be "what loggerheads are doing...during their oceanic stage." Scientists can study what happens at each end of their journey, but not everyone agrees about what is happening en route. They know that turtles in the western Pacific are declining, but due to what? This mystery heightens the risk the turtles already face on land.



For example, dogs, raccoons, birds, coatis, crabs, and crocodiles all are known predators near shore and in nesting areas. Humans have a surprisingly huge impact as well, in two ways. One is that real estate near the nesting areas is deemed more worthy than the marine habitat, so new homes and new pets, as well as pollution and traffic, all get closer to the areas essential to turtles for laying eggs.




Beyond that, turtle eggs are sought by many for consumption. Turtle eggs placed in beer allegedly increases sexual stamina, a sort of Viagra for men in South and Latin America. Cantinas can charge a great deal for the perk, so looting is common in the endangered habitats where sea turtles lay their eggs. One conservation group launched a publicity campaign with an Argentinian model to discourage the practice, only to be shut down by women's groups offended by the scantily-clad model.



Turtle eggs are also used in baking, and a quick Google search yields many recipes. Apparently, turtle eggs make a fluffier cake. In Malaysia, 90% of turtle eggs are harvested by people for these reasons.



Global warming is suspected as another reason for the decline. One reason is that the sex of the turtle is determined by how hot the egg gets during incubation. Hotter beaches mean an increase in egg temperature that produces more females than males. Less males mean that even if the turtles are healthy, they can't always reproduce. Global warming also effects the food supply that the turtles depend on.



The book is a fascinating read, with many anecdotal examples. The big shocker in it, though, has to be where the author promotes nuclear power as a way to avoid CO2 emissions, especially in India and China. Given what has happened in Japan after this book went to press, that solution may not go over well.