How to do

The journey of a baby sea turtle from the safety of its nest to the vast, open ocean is nothing short of miraculous. But, as with many natural wonders, it's also deeply tragic. When these tiny creatures hatch, they're not just born into the world—they’re thrown into it, facing a gauntlet of dangers that most of us could never imagine. From the moment their little shells crack open, they embark on a perilous adventure where survival seems like an impossible dream.

First off, predators are everywhere. Think about it: a newborn turtle, no bigger than your palm, creeping out of its sandy nest is a prime target for almost anything that moves. Birds—gulls, seagulls, raptors—hover above like aerial predators, just waiting to swoop down and carry the hatchlings off in their talons. Meanwhile, crabs, those relentless scavengers, can be just as deadly. Whether it’s the small, fast ones scurrying over the sand or the larger ones lurking just out of sight, they too view these hatchlings as the perfect snack. From the very second they emerge from their nests, the odds are stacked against them.

Then there’s light pollution, a threat many people don’t even realize exists. Baby sea turtles have an innate compass that leads them straight toward the brightest part of the horizon, which naturally should be the ocean. But now, with all the artificial lights from human development on coastlines, the ocean’s natural glow is drowned out. Instead, many hatchlings end up heading in the wrong direction—straight toward the bright, artificial lights of cities. It’s as if they're lured by a false promise of safety, only to stumble into greater dangers: dehydration, exhaustion, and predators waiting just off the beaten path. It’s a cruel trick of nature.

Of course, humans play a huge role in the struggles these turtles face. Coastal development is rapidly shrinking their natural habitats, and the beaches where they should be nesting are disappearing. This means fewer places for sea turtles to lay their eggs. But that's just one part of the problem—more often than not, by the time these hatchlings finally make it to the water, they encounter a world polluted by plastic. Fishing lines, plastic bags, and other debris litter the ocean, and the young turtles, often confused, mistake these dangerous objects for food. It’s not uncommon for them to get tangled, suffocated, or poisoned by these man-made hazards. And to think, they’ve only just started their journey.

If they manage to survive the immediate threats and actually get into the ocean, a whole new world of dangers awaits. The ocean currents themselves can pull them off course, carrying them miles away from where they need to be. And lurking in the depths? Sharks, giant fish, and other predators who will stop at nothing to feast on these helpless wanderers. It’s a harsh reality: once in the ocean, these turtles are at the mercy of the vast, unforgiving sea.

Sadly, more than 90% of these hatchlings don’t make it. It’s heartbreaking, really. They’re so small, so fragile, yet so determined. But the truth is, the odds are overwhelmingly against them from the start. For every turtle that manages to survive and make it to adulthood, there are dozens more that don’t. And if we don’t step up and help, their numbers will only continue to dwindle.

So what can we do? Well, for one, we need to acknowledge the dangers they face and start mitigating human impact. Simple actions—like reducing light pollution, cleaning up beaches, and supporting conservation organizations—can make a real difference. Every little effort counts. Each time a hatchling makes it to the ocean, it’s like a spark of hope for the future. We have the power to protect these incredible creatures, and every small change in our behavior could mean the difference between life and death for them.

Next time you see baby sea turtles heading toward the sea, think of all the obstacles they’re overcoming just to get there. They might be small, but their journey is monumental. And with a little help, maybe—just maybe—they’ll get the chance to grow into the majestic adults they’re meant to be.