Latest news with #MichelleMaríaEarlyCapistrán
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists celebrate remarkable trend observed in sea turtle populations: 'One of the real ... success stories'
A new survey reveals a promising trend for sea turtle populations across the globe. According to reports relayed by in more than half the world, endangered sea turtles "show signs of recovery." Published in the journal Endangered Species Research, the study examined 48 sea turtle populations located in different parts of the world and analyzed the effect of factors identified as threats to the species' survival. These threats included coastal development, pollution, hunting, and rising global temperatures. The overall trend of the survey indicated hopeful results, with threats declining in more than half the areas reviewed. "Many of the turtle populations have come back, though some haven't," Duke ecologist Stuart Pimm said, according to "Overall, the sea turtle story is one of the real conservation success stories." Like any conservation initiative, the protection of sea turtles began years ago, and now, after decades, those efforts are coming to fruition. Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, sea turtles were listed as a protected species. Nearly two decades later, Mexico prohibited sea turtle captures, another step in the right direction that influenced population recovery years later. In coastal areas near Mexico and the U.S., sea turtle populations "are now doing really well," according to study co-author and Stanford University researcher Michelle María Early Capistrán. Despite the overall recovery trend, some sea turtle populations are still struggling. Leatherback turtles, for example, are "vulnerable to extinction" and "face high environmental risks," according to the survey. Other species, such as the green turtle, are still listed as endangered across the globe but have shown signs of recovery in different areas. The survey underscores the positive impact conservation efforts have had on various sea turtle populations. Moving forward, as conservationists continue to protect sea turtles, they help preserve biodiversity across the globe. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Endangered sea turtles show global recovery in new survey
LOS ANGELES - Endangered sea turtles are making a comeback in many parts of the world, according to a newly published global survey. The study, featured in Endangered Species Research, found that threats to the marine animals—such as hunting, pollution, and coastal development—are declining in more than half of the areas examined. Although the findings offer hope, researchers caution that not all turtle populations are rebounding equally. Leatherback turtles, in particular, remain under severe threat. Where are sea turtles recovering—and where are they not? Dig deeper The survey analyzed 48 distinct sea turtle populations worldwide and found that those in the Atlantic Ocean are generally faring better than their counterparts in the Pacific. Species like the green turtle, while still endangered globally, are showing notable signs of recovery—especially in regions like Mexico and the U.S., where protections have been in place for decades. According to Stanford researcher Michelle María Early Capistrán, who co-authored the study, population rebounds are now visible due to longstanding efforts like beach conservation and fishing regulation. "By ending commercial harvests and allowing them time to rebound, their populations are now doing really well" in coastal waters off many regions of Mexico and the U.S., said co-author Michelle María Early Capistrán, a Stanford University researcher who has conducted fieldwork in both countries. The other side Unlike green turtles, leatherback turtles remain critically endangered in many areas. The survey notes that all seven regions where leatherbacks are found face high environmental risks. Bryan Wallace, a wildlife ecologist and co-author of the study, told the AP that leatherbacks' long migratory routes—spanning more than 3,700 miles in some cases—expose them to a broader array of threats, including fishing gear entanglements and changing ocean conditions. He emphasized that while new fishing technologies can help reduce bycatch, they need to be widely adopted by global fishing communities to make a difference. Timeline The recovery of sea turtles has been shaped by decades of conservation policy, with legal protections and international efforts gradually showing results. 1973: Sea turtles are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act 1990: Mexico bans all captures of sea turtles 2025: First major global update on sea turtle populations in over a decade published Researchers say it has taken decades for these protections to yield noticeable population improvements, underscoring the long-term nature of conservation work. What they're saying Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved in the study, told the AP that the findings represent one of the clearest conservation wins to date. "Many of the turtle populations have come back, though some haven't," he said. "Overall, the sea turtle story is one of the real conservation success stories." The Source This article is based on reporting by Christina Larson for the Associated Press. It summarizes findings from a global sea turtle population survey published in the journal Endangered Species Research and includes quotes from scientists interviewed by the AP, including Bryan Wallace, Michelle María Early Capistrán, and Stuart Pimm.
