Many admire the colors and intricate patterns of sea turtle carapaces. This leads some to wonder—is it legal to purchase sea turtle shells? However, buying, selling, or trading sea turtle shells or other parts is illegal in most countries, as all species are designated threatened or endangered.
Laws, including CITES and the U.S. Endangered Species Act, aim to protect vulnerable sea turtle populations from poaching and black market wildlife trafficking.
While owning a sea turtle shell may seem appealing, supporting sea turtle conservation through responsible ecotourism and donations is a sustainable and legal choice.
When Were Sea Turtle Shells Banned?
The trade of sea turtle shells and products was banned internationally in 1973 when sea turtles were listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Many countries had already implemented national legislation protecting sea turtles prior to the CITES listing.
In the United States, it has been illegal to buy, sell, or possess sea turtle shells since 1973 under the Endangered Species Act. Those who violate this law face fines of up to $25,000 and up to a year in prison.
| Year | Legislation |
|---|---|
| 1973 | CITES listing bans international commercial trade |
| 1973 | U.S. Endangered Species Act bans sale and possession |
Why You Should Not Buy Sea Turtle Shells
There are several compelling reasons why you should not purchase sea turtle shells:
- It supports illegal poaching: The sea turtle shell trade drives the slaughter of these endangered animals for their shells and eggs. Most shells on the market come from illegally killed turtles.
- It negatively impacts turtle populations: Many species of sea turtles are classified as endangered or vulnerable to extinction from hunting, egg harvesting, habitat loss, and bycatch from fishing nets.
- Buying shells funds criminal networks and threatens coastal communities that depend on sustainable turtle tourism revenues.
Conclusion
In summary, sea turtle shells belong to living sea turtles and are not traded as decorations or souvenirs.
Global legislation protects this threatened species by banning the buying and selling of turtle shells, with good cause.
We all must do our part to protect sea turtles by refusing to buy sea turtle products, supporting conservation efforts, and respecting laws that give sea turtles a fighting chance.
