Marine animals that have lived on Earth for over 100 million years.
They are a very important species for the balance of the ocean.
Sea turtles have a hard shell that protects them from predators.
They use their long, strong flippers to swim long distances in the sea.
They can live more than 50–80 years, depending on the species.
They are reptiles that need to come to the surface to breathe air

Their diet varies by species: some eat algae and seagrass, others jellyfish and small marine animals.

The leatherback sea turtle, for example, feeds primarily on jellyfish.

By controlling jellyfish populations and keeping seagrass healthy, they help the ocean ecosystem.

They travel thousands of kilometers across the ocean between the beaches where they hatch and their feeding grounds.

They begin their migration on tropical beaches where they lay their eggs.

They end their migration on cooler or more abundant feeding grounds, such as the coast of North America.

Many turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to nest.

They usually migrate alone, although sometimes several turtles follow similar routes.

They migrate to search for food in nutrient-rich waters.

They also travel back to tropical beaches to lay their eggs and breed.

In Central America, especially Costa Rica and Panama.

Also in Cuba and other Caribbean islands.

These countries protect special beaches where the turtles nest each year.

Some species, such as the leatherback turtle, can be seen off the coast of California.

They appear mainly during the summer and fall, when they travel in search of food.

They prefer areas where there are many jellyfish, their favorite food.

Plastic pollution in the ocean: many turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.

Accidental fishing: they get caught in nets and hooks.

The loss of nesting beaches due to tourism, construction, and climate change.

Global warming affects the temperature of the sand, which determines the sex of hatchlings.

Do not leave trash on the beach or in the ocean; recycle and reduce plastic.

Support conservation programs and refuges that protect turtle nests.

Avoid disturbing or touching sea turtles and their nests on beaches.

Participate in environmental education campaigns to protect the oceans.