By Jennifer Morgan, MoveUP Environment Committee Member
On June 16, we celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, a day dedicated to honouring these ancient mariners and raising awareness about the threats they face. As an environmental committee within our labour union, we recognize that protecting wildlife and ecosystems is deeply connected to advocating for sustainable practices and a healthier planet for all workers and communities.
I try to see turtles, from a distance to respect the conservation and stewardship efforts, in Turtle Town, whenever I have the opportunity to go to Maui. I find them such majestic creatures, so important to the sea’s ecological web.
Sea turtles, in existence for over 100 million years, are now facing critical dangers due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Plastic waste, coastal development, accidental fishing bycatch, and illegal poaching continue to disrupt their delicate balance with nature. These threats mirror the broader environmental challenges that affect workers worldwide with rising temperatures, declining marine biodiversity, and unsustainable industry practices impact not only sea turtles but also people’s livelihoods.
Plastic waste is a particularly severe problem. Over 1,000 turtles die each year from ingesting plastic, mistaking it for food like jellyfish. Additionally, coastal development and artificial lighting interfere with hatchlings’ ability to reach the sea, increasing their vulnerability to predators.
The seven species of sea turtles (green, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, and flatback) each play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems. They help control jellyfish populations, cycle nutrients, and contribute to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Overall, while conservation efforts have helped stabilize many sea turtle populations, continued action is needed to address climate change, pollution, and illegal hunting.
We stand in solidarity with conservation efforts that promote marine protection, responsible waste management, and sustainable fishing practices. By supporting strong environmental policies and advocating for ethical workplace practices, we contribute to safeguarding sea turtles and their ecosystems.
This World Sea Turtle Day let’s commit to action—whether it’s reducing plastic use, supporting conservation initiatives, or advocating for environmental reforms within our industries. Together, we can ensure that these incredible creatures continue to thrive in our oceans for generations to come.
