HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

For centuries humans have exploited sea turtles for their meat, calipee (cartilage), eggs, oil, skin, and shell.  The availability of fresh meat from green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) was an important factor during the exploration of the New World from the sixteenth to eighteenth century.  This exploitation continued well into the 20^th century as green turtle meat became a delicacy and was commonly served as green turtle soup.  Although green turtles were typically hunted for their meat, their eggs were also commonly used as a source of protein.  Unfortunately green turtles were not, and are not, alone; all seven species of sea turtles have historically been exploited for their meat and eggs.  This long-term exploitation, combined with the accidental capture in commercial and artesian fisheries and loss of nesting habitat, has jeopardized the long-term survival of these species on earth.  All seven species of marine turtles are currently listed as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable by the Species Survival Commission of The World Conservation Union (IUCN).   

The three major threats to sea turtles (harvesting of meat and eggs, by-catch in the fisheries, loss of habitat) continue to hinder sea turtle conservation efforts around the globe.  Humans maintain a strong desire to live near the coast and this pressure has resulted in the development of much of the global coastline.  Increased beach lighting and armoring (sea walls) associated with beach developed have degraded the beach habitat used by nesting sea turtles.  Sea turtles continue to drown in shrimp nets and are commonly hooked on long-line fisheries gear.  Also, in many parts of the world, sea turtles and their eggs are still harvested and sold openly in markets.  In Ghana, the major threats are that of harvesting nesting females for meat, collecting eggs, and accidental capture in the artesian fisheries.  Poachers in Ghana will harvest nesting turtles and receive the equivalent of $3 for the meat from an adult sized olive ridley (~$6 for an adult leatherback).  Fishermen in Ghana that accidentally capture sea turtles in their nets will harvest the turtle and sell the meat in the market to pay for the damage to the net caused by the sea turtle.