The World's Marine Turtles on the Brink: Unravelling the Impact of Human Stressors and Marine Sanctuary Dynamics

Aim

As human pressures on global oceans escalate, understanding the cumulative impact of these changes on marine turtles becomes increasingly relevant for conservation. This study investigates the patterns of cumulative impacts of twelve human-related variables, encompassing both anthropogenic effects and the influence of marine protected areas and marine wilderness areas, on global marine turtle species richness.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present and Future.

Taxa Studied

Marine Turtles (Dermochelyidae, Cheloniidae).

Methods

We used simple and simultaneous regression models to examine the effects of human-altered variables and protected areas on the conservation of the seven marine turtle species across diverse oceanic regions.

Results

Our findings suggest that acidification of global oceans, UV radiation, sea surface temperature, fishing practices, and sea level rise are prominent threats faced by marine turtle populations. Amidst these challenges, we identify that marine protected areas and marine wilderness areas are solid conservation strategies, playing a pivotal role in the preservation of marine turtles across diverse marine ecosystems.

Main Conclusions

Intriguingly, our projections indicate a decrease in protected areas in the future, raising alarms about the potential absence of safe havens for marine turtles across oceans. In light of these insights, we emphasise the role of planners and managers of marine protected areas in mitigating direct human impacts on marine ecosystems—a critical measure to ensure the enduring presence of marine turtles across the vast expanses of our oceans.