The creatures are also often killed for their meat, and turtle eggs are valued as a source of protein in poor communities. In some countries they are considered an aphrodisiac. Another threat is the fishing industry, WWF says. WWF blames trawls, shrimp nets and longlines set for tuna and swordfish. And it claims there is strong international opposition to the use of turtle excluder devices, which keep turtles clear of the nets.
Tourism shares some of the responsibility for the turtles' plight.
The building of hotels, seawalls, marinas and other tourist facilities has destroyed many turtle nesting sites. They need to control the trade in illegal wildlife items that people bring home from holiday. And they need to educate the people who do this, because they are fuelling the trade. Most of the countries with turtle populations are doing something to protect them. But at the end of the day, still more needs to be done.