Zero Starving Sea Turtles

Did you know that only about 0.1%-0.2% of hatchlings survive to adulthood? But why is this number so low? To simplify, let’s envision a scenario where a mother sea turtle lays 1,000 eggs on a beach. After burying the eggs and returning to the sea, approximately 80% of them will successfully hatch (while 20% will not). The hatchlings then embark on a perilous journey back to the sea to evade predators such as crabs, birds and dogs. Even upon reaching the sea, threats persist. This battle for survival is a key reason behind the scarcity of hatchlings that manage to reach adulthood.

Sea turtles are classified as endangered species, particularly the Green Sea Turtle and Hawksbill Sea Turtle, both of which are labeled as critically endangered. This status is attributed to human activities, such as commercial fishing and habitat destruction, which violate international agreements like CITES, established to safeguard endangered species. Costal development has further reduced nesting areas, making it challenging for female turtles to lay eggs. The era of industrialization resulted in significant pollution, with examples including plastic and chemical waste that have also inflicted harm upon various habitats. The inadvertent consumption of plastic as food has led to dire consequences for both the turtles and the marine environment. Moreover, the effects of global economic growth, including various forms of pollution and climate change, have taken a toll on the survival of sea turtles.

All these factors collectively exert a significant impact on the global sea turtle population. Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining marine food chains and ecosystems. They are recognized as ecological keystone species that provide habitat for other marine life, thus contributing to biodiversity. As herbivores, they regulate seagrass and algae, which in turn benefits coral reefs. The declining sea turtle populations have far-reaching consequences for the marine environment, including disrupted water flow and increased seagrass blocking sunlight. This, in turn, triggers issues like soil erosion, excessive growth of microorganisms, and imbalanced ecosystems. The absence of sea turtles also poses challenges for both predator and prey populations.

Through an extensive and ongoing study conducted within the conservation project of Her Majestic Queen Sirikit, a significant revelation has emerged. It has been determined that sea turtle hatchlings, when subjected to nurturing care and a preparatory period lasting a minimum of 6 months, exhibit an impressive survival rate reaching up to 70%. This stands in stark contrast to the mere 0.1% survival rate documented when these hatchlings are left within their natural environment.

The target fundraising for this project is set at 600,000 baht, assuming a minimum expense associated with nurturing sea turtle hatchlings is 6,000 baht each, which equates to 30 baht per day. The nurturing duration for a single turtle spans a minimum of 200 days, designed to ensure ample growth and increase the likelihood of a successful reintegration into the natural environment. Upon the completion of their nurturing phase, these turtles can thrive securely until they attain a size conducive to their reintegration into the ocean: a minimum weight of 2kg with a minimum length of 30cm. Sea turtle hatchlings are ready to return to their natural habitat.