In celebration of #SeaTurtleWeek, Divers For Turtles is launching the Sea Turtle Diver Pledge, a new way for divers to commit to protecting sea turtles both in and out of the water.
This pledge will help to reinforce practices that reduce impacts on these endangered animals from interactions while diving, while also encouraging simple practices to help the ocean in daily life. The steps divers are asked to take include giving turtles ample space, avoiding touching coral, using coral-friendly sunscreen, and reducing plastic waste.
Divers that sign the pledge during Sea Turtle Week (June 8th to 16th) will be entered to win a giveaway of one of 10 great prizes, including a turtle ID guide, a copy of the bestselling book “Blue Mind,” sarongs, shirts, reusable bags, and turtle-themed jewelry. In addition, divers will receive a 25% discount on the Divers For Turtles online shop, a personalized e-certificate, and updates on ways to protect sea turtles. Divers can get extra entries to the giveaway by signing a pledge to avoid purchasing turtleshell products and joining the Divers For Turtles Facebook group.
“The mission of Divers For Turtles is to bring together the dive community to learn about and support efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, both while diving and on land. We’re a community of divers, dive shops, conservationists, and others working to support sea turtle conservation efforts around the world. Divers For Turtles is a program of SEE Turtles, an award-winning non-profit that has helped to save more than 1 million turtle hatchlings and has raised more than $1 million for conservation and coastal communities.”
#SeaTurtleWeek is an initiative of more than 30 organizations working to elevate awareness about sea turtles and the threats they face. Starting with World Oceans Day on June 8th and finishing with World Sea Turtle Day on June 16th, #SeaTurtleWeek will highlight a different species and threat each day.
For more info, go to SeaTurtleWeek.com.