Sea Turtles: Which one did I see?

There are 7 species of sea turtles found in the world today. Three species can be found in the waters surrounding the Virgin Islands. Chances are when you are snorkeling around St. John, you are seeing a green turtle or a hawksbill sea turtle. St. Croix is lucky to be home to these two species as well as the leatherback turtle. By being able to identify different types of sea turtles I hope that we will develop a deeper connection to them. Sea turtles are in desperate need of our help for their survival. Follow three simple steps to reduce your impact on the turtles, 1.) say no to single use plastic bags, 2.) say no to plastic straws and 3.) use reefsafe sunscreen.

Sea Turtles of the US Virgin Islands poster found at HibiscusJazz.com.

Sea Turtle identification is fairly simple once you know what to look for. A lot of times the location of the turtle is enough to tell you which turtle you are looking at. Green turtles and hawksbill look very similar but are different in some distinct ways. Green turtles are the vegetarians among sea turtles so they are found where there is sea grass. Hawksbill feed on sea anemoni. A hawksbill turtle has a mouth shaped almost like the beak of a hawk hence the name hawksbill. The green turtle's mouth is flat. The shells are a little different although easily mistaken for one another. The shell of a green turtle and hawksbill are made up of shell plates called shutes. On a hawksbill turtle these scutes overlap while green turtles do not. Leatherback turtles do not have scutes. Their shell is soft or leathery. They are absolutely enormous so when you see one you will know it! Here is link to a wonderful diagram that can be very helpful.

Here is a link to some interesting data about   Sea Turtle Nesting in the US Virgin Islands. I hope that
this is helpful to everyone that has been or plans to go snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. Let me know what you think and as always love the turtles. In this fast paced world we live in take some time to be like them and slow down.

Love the Sea Turtles, save our oceans

Sea Turtles are amazing creatures. We are blessed to still beable to see these prehistoric creatures swimming in our waters. This post will help you find information on sea turtle conservation and what you can do to ensure their survival. The following are a few suggestions of things you can do without even donating money or time.

Hibiscus Jazz offers some fabulous totes that can be reused over and over again!

1.) Say no to single use plastic bags. Sure you have to remember your reusable bags but make it a habit. I keep one rolled up in my purse and one in my car. When plastic escapes our landfills and ends up in the ocean it does irreparable damage to our reefs and sea life. Turtles ingest them because they are easily mistaken for jelly fish, a staple of many sea turtles' diets. They smother the coral just like they can suffocate any other living creature. When you REFUSE plastic you are helping to save our oceans and the life within it. You are making the world a better place! Visit The Plastic Coalition to learn more about how you can reduce your use of plastic!

Learn more about the harmful effects of sunscreens here https://www.badgerbalm.com/s-35-coral-reef-safe-sunscreen.aspx

2.) Only use reef safe sunscreen when you are swimming in the ocean. Conventional sunscreens are full of nasty ingredients that have been found to contribute to the bleaching of our coral reefs. Anything that is bleaching coral can't be good for the overall health of the ocean and turtle habitats. Our skin is our largest organ so you probably don't want that stuff on you either. I know, I know those zinc based sunscreens can leave a little more white on your skin than you like but it's really a small price to pay for the life of the coral and sea turtles. When I see people covering themselves in spray cans full of sunscreen and then jumping in the water to snorkel I cringe. Just think of all of those chemicals soaking into the reef. Multiply that by all the visitors to coral reefs every year. Really the best way to keep the sun off of you when you are snorkeling is by wearing a rash guard or long sleeve shirt.

Say No to Plastic Straws!

3.) Refuse plastic straws. We really need to be more aware of this epidemic. As a beach loving community we need to speak up about this. Plastic straws litter our beaches and end up in the ocean where sea life ingests them. Tell your server when you sit down at your table that you do not want a straw and tell them why! They are harmful to the ocean. Encourage your friends to do the same.

Be the change you want to see in the world! Sure you might have to keep reminding yourself to do these things but it is totally worth it. When I see a sea turtle in the wild and feel that joy that only a majestic creature like that can give me, I think it's the least I can do for them! Bring your reusable bags to the store, sport that white streaked face and drink your cocktails straight out of the glass! Be a champion for sea turtles. Be compassionate and love nature!