Conservation of sea turtles key to healthy ecosystem

Sea turtles, many of them gardeners of sea grass beds which act as the perfect breeding base for dozens of other sea creatures who lay their eggs on them, are considered environmental indicators. When they are healthy, they reflect the health of the marine ecosystem. On land too, sea turtles do their bit by laying eggs in the hollows of dunes, providing nourishment for dune vegetation, which plays a critical role in preventing erosion. However, the irony of modernity is that these environmental indicators are under attack from man. Their habitat cruelly damaged by man, they are dying miserably — thanks to polluted and litter-choked beaches, among other man-made problems. Every conservation measure, therefore, restores their importance in our ecosystem to its full extent. Sharjah Aquarium’s nurturing of critically injured hawksbill turtles and their rehabilitation back in the sea is a great boost to UAE’s sea turtle conservation programme. Appreciation should also be extended to all the individuals who rescued these hapless creatures in dire conditions on the beach and took them to the Sharjah Aquarium. True change, however, will be possible when these creatures no longer need rescuing from man-made dangers.