Sea Turtles? Or Turtle Products?

The sea turtle is disappearing. And once it is gone, it will be gone forever. One reason it is disappearing is because people use parts of turtles for food or, more often, to make different products. The hawksbill is prized for its carapace to make tortoiseshell combs, brush handles, eyeglass frames, buttons, hair clips, and jewellery. Hawksbill and green turtles are killed so they can be stuffed and hung on walls as decorations.

Green turtles are slaughtered for their meat and in order to make turtle soup. The skin from the neck and flippers of greens and olive ridleys is made into leather for purses and shoes. Fat from turtle bodies is used in soaps and make-up creams. Instead of using plentiful resources for these products, the world’s few remaining sea turtles are taken.