Go Green- Sea Turtle Conservation

Browse a conservation center with a nursery that breeds sea turtles for release into the ocean and a museum that showcases the life cycles of these marine creatures. The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center was established decades ago in response to Queen Siriket’s initiative to raise awareness of the plight of sea turtles, whose numbers were rapidly declining in Thailand. The center releases a staggering 20,000 sea turtles into the surrounding sea each year. Yet the turtles still suffer a low survival rate – as little as 1 in 1,000 – from dangers such as being entangled in commercial fishing nets, ingesting plastic trash and pollution. You will see tanks full of hatchlings, mostly hawksbill and green sea turtles, and discover how, when and where they are typically released into the wild. You may also peruse the displays of nesting sites and see where sick and injured sea turtles are rehabilitated.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how endangered sea turtles are bred at a conservation center for release into the ocean.
• Gain an understanding why sea turtle hatchlings have such a low survival rate in the wild.
• Browse museum displays that show the life cycles of hawksbill and green sea turtles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.