Sea turtle swimming sun rays

Sea turtles surface to bask in the sun, a vital behavior for thermoregulation and shell health.

About this subject

Sea turtles are reptiles found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. There are seven species, including the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the loggerhead (Caretta caretta). Unlike land turtles, they spend most of their lives at sea but must surface to breathe. Sun exposure is crucial for them: the heat helps maintain body temperature, as they are ectothermic, and ultraviolet radiation aids in vitamin D synthesis and prevents fungal infections on the shell.

Basking behavior, floating at the surface with the shell exposed, is common in green turtles and some hawksbill populations. During these moments, they remain still, soaking up the sun. However, this also makes them vulnerable to boat strikes and pollution. Sea turtles are migratory, traveling thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting grounds. Hatchlings use moonlight reflecting on the ocean to find their way to the sea, but artificial lighting on beaches can disorient them.

Currently, six of the seven sea turtle species are listed as endangered by the IUCN. Major threats include bycatch, loss of nesting habitats, plastic ingestion, and climate change, which alters sand temperature and thus the sex ratio of hatchlings. Conservation projects along the Brazilian coast, such as Projeto Tamar, protect nests, monitor beaches, and educate the public. The image of a sea turtle swimming in sun rays captures the fragile beauty of these animals and the urgent need for ocean preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do sea turtles swim towards sunlight?

They surface to bask in the sun for thermoregulation. Sunlight also helps them navigate; hatchlings use the moon's reflection on water to find the sea.

How many sea turtle species are found in Brazil?

Five of the seven species occur in Brazilian waters: green, loggerhead, hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback. All are endangered.

What is the biggest threat to sea turtles today?

Bycatch from fisheries is the leading threat. Other dangers include plastic ingestion, light pollution on beaches, and climate change.