Every June 16th, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day—a special day to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the ocean’s oldest and most remarkable creatures. Sea turtles have roamed the seas for over 100 million years, surviving natural predators, climate shifts, and geological changes. But today, these ancient mariners face unprecedented threats from human activity.
From tangled fishing nets and plastic pollution to coastal development and climate change, sea turtles need our help more than ever. World Sea Turtle Day is not just about admiring their beauty or sharing cute beach photos—it’s about protecting their future and the health of our oceans.
As a waterwoman and ocean advocate, I’ve been lucky to swim alongside green sea turtles and hawksbills in their natural habitats. There's something humbling about meeting these gentle creatures underwater. They remind me of the rhythm of the sea—slow, steady, and deeply wise.
Turtles are sacred in many cultures, symbols of endurance, patience, and the interconnectedness of life. They start their lives as tiny hatchlings racing to the sea, and if they survive, they may travel thousands of miles before returning to the beach where they were born.
This World Sea Turtle Day, I invite you to:
Say no to single-use plastics
Support marine conservation groups
Never disturb nesting turtles or hatchlings
Reduce lights near beaches during nesting season
Spread awareness through education and storytelling
Every little action matters. When we protect sea turtles, we protect entire ecosystems.
Let’s make waves for their survival. Let’s honor the sea turtle’s legacy—and ensure it continues for generations to come.