Why are turtles important ?

Turtles play an integral role in our coastal and marine ecosystem. For example, turtles help to maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds which are home to various marine species that are important for fisheries and tourism.

Scientist believe that hawksbill turtles maintain the health of coral reef systems by grazing on sponges, which if left to grow unchecked, outgrow the corals, smother them and kill the reef. Hence, the declining hawksbill population may be a factor in the inability of reefs to resist increasing pressures from pollution, algal overgrowth, over-fishing and climate change.

Green turtles, on the other hand, are largely herbivorous, and are largely herbivorous, and their constant grazing on sea grass increases the health and growth rate of sea grass beds.