Around the world sea turtles have been used for food, tools
and decorative items for centuries. This use has had a negative impact on sea turtles and
of the five species found in the Southeastern Atlantic, all of them are either threatened or endangered.
:
Continue to support organizations like the South Carolina Aquarium by being a
member,
donor or
volunteer.
During nesting season, minimize artificial lighting from beach front homes and avoid using flashlights on the beach.
Remove recreational equipment from the beach overnight
Properly dispose of plastic bags and Styrofoam and avoid using balloons since all can be mistaken for food.
provide expert medical care to threatened and endangered sea turtles. 
Learn more and support the Sea Turtle Rescue Program on your next visit - go on a behind the scenes tour of the hospital. 
the dunes marking turtle nests throughout the summer. Be sure not to get too close! Under the sand there might be about 120 sea turtle eggs the size of ping-pong balls waiting to hatch. Keeping our beaches dark by minimizing artificial lighting from beachfront homes and free of obstructions (beach chairs, tents and large holes) during the nesting season is an important way to help hatchling sea turtles survive and reach the ocean. 
