Sea turtles have navigated the Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years, making them true marine survivors. These majestic creatures undertake extensive migrations, returning to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. WWF concentrates efforts on five sea turtle species — green, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, and olive ridley, emphasizing their importance as ecosystem engineers.

Beyond their cultural iconic status, sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine habitats. They help regulate coral reefs and seagrass beds which are also vital breeding grounds that support commercially valuable fish like tuna, shrimp, and lobster. For instance, hawksbill turtles consume sponges that help sustain coral health, while leatherbacks feed on jellyfish, aiding in the balance of the oceans delicate food webs. Their migratory journeys across the Indian Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific, and beyond, connect vital seascapes and support the broader health of our oceans.

Despite their resilience, sea turtles face grave threats. It’s estimated that only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to maturity. Turtles face many risks due to human activities such as illegal poaching, habitat destruction, and accidental capture. Poaching for shells, eggs, and meat remains a significant issue, while coastal development and light pollution can disrupt nesting sites.

Thousands of sea turtles are unintentionally caught in fishing gear, often drowning since they need to surface for air. These threats have resulted in alarming declines in many sea turtle populations globally.

Since 2016, Royal Caribbean Group has collaborated closely with WWF on initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, raising awareness, and supporting vital conservation projects worldwide. This partnership underscores the Group’s dedication to preserving marine biodiversity for future generations.

Launched in 2018 with the Group’s support, ShellBank is the world’s first traceability toolkit for marine turtles built on a groundbreaking global genetic database of sea turtles. By mapping distinct turtle populations, we can determine where turtles originate from and how they are connected. It can help authorities identify populations that are at risk for poaching, trade, or bycatch. Since its inception, ShellBank has grown from one species, approximately 70 locations and 1,510 samples, to two species, approximately 293 locations and more than 15,000 samples. Having trained more than 120 conservation researchers and law enforcers and with interest from more than 28 countries eager to adopt this innovative tool, there is much more work to be done.

In support of ShellBank’s launch, Royal Caribbean Group helped WWF pioneer the approach to collect data on hawksbill turtle products, using DNA to trace the products back to their population origin and likely nesting sites. Now, included in the ShellBank database, this provides critical intelligence to law enforcement, enabling targeted action against trafficking networks for these critically endangered hawksbill turtles, with fewer than 8,000 breeding females estimated to be left worldwide.

The Group’s contributions extend beyond sea turtles: funding also supports coral reef research, mangrove conservation, and education and outreach in various regions, including Fiji, Peru, and Ecuador. These efforts are integral to restoring marine health and promoting resilient ocean ecosystems.

Royal Caribbean Group’s ongoing efforts exemplify its deep commitment to safeguarding the oceans and wildlife. Through strategic partnerships, innovative science, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the company strives to preserve marine biodiversity and promote responsible stewardship of the seas. These initiatives underscore the understanding that protecting the oceans is a shared responsibility, one that Royal Caribbean Group is dedicated to advancing every day.