WHAT'S THE HAWKSBILL'S JOB?
How does the Hawksbill help our Ecosystem?
Hawksbill sea turtles have numerous benefits to our ocean’s ecosystems, from keeping our coral reefs healthy to replenishing nutrients back into the environment. Yet the roles that Hawksbills play are continually changing due to obstacles like pollution and coral reef death. Hawksbills help by maintaining coral reef biodiversity. Of the 34 recognized animal Phyla, our coral reefs house 32 animal Phyla, compared to only nine Phyla in tropical rainforests.(Biodiversity. Retrieved 1 Nov, 2015).
Biodiversity is important to humans because fish from fisheries not only provide food, but also a million dollar industry; reefs offer recreation, like diving and fishing that provide income for local economies that have little income without it; reefs provide endless fun and wonderful memories and adventures for millions of people who get to experience the wonder of aquatic life while snorkeling or diving; lastly, are the medical potential of compounds isolated from organisms living on reefs. (Wilson, E.G., Miller, K.L., Allison, D. and Magliocca. Retrieved 29 Nov, 2015)
But how do the Hawksbill influence biodiversity?
Hawksbills help by eating sponges. Sponges are made up of glasslike crystals that many other species cannot digest. The sponges can also overpopulate many other coral species, which makes the Hawksbill a rarity and a necessity in its ability to sustain a healthy ecosystem. Hawksbill turtles also provide commensalism for other organisms. Once the turtles break down the sponge, they expose food to marine species typically unable to penetrate the sponge’s exterior. Once the sponges are broken down (thanks Hawksbill!) it creates sand for our lovely beaches. Through the Hawksbills selective feeding, it helps to benefit the diversity of the entire coral reef.
Hawksbill's empty shells are creating healthy beaches:
The Hawksbill empty shells are key in putting a concentrated source of high-quality nutrients, back into their nesting beaches. If beaches lack nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, it leads to less vegetation, but sea turtle eggs restore these vital nutrients back into the beach dunes. The plant growth leads to dune stabilization. Why does dune stabilization matter
1. Dunes provide habitat for highly specific plants and animals
A Hawksbill getting cleaned is saving their ecosystem:
By carrying around barnacles and algae on their shells, Hawksbills provide a food source for fish and shrimp. This mutualism behavior feeds smaller organisms, but also gives many benefits to the Hawksbill by reducing drag and keeping their skin and shells clean. Without this food source, certain species of fish and shrimp might be forced to develop other, less successful methods for obtaining food. The everyday routine of the Hawksbill offers tremendous benefits to many other animals by simply getting cleaned.(Wilson, E.G., Miller, K.L., Allison, D. and Magliocca. Retrieved 29 Nov, 2015)
How have the turtles ecosystems changed over time?
The two main environmental issues that are affecting the Hawksbill’s ecosystem are climate change and marine pollution. Climate change affects numerous species including humans but it has a serious effect on our coral reefs. As water temperatures and sea levels rise, the results are coral death. This directly affects the Hawksbill, because not only are coral reefs being destroyed but many nesting sites are being diminished. With rising sea levels, beaches disappear thus leaving fewer and fewer nesting sites for the Hawksbill.
2. Because if say, you just bought yourself a beautiful multi million dollar beach house, the dunes help protect your new home, by absorbing the impact of weather disasters, waves, wind, and erosion. Without sand dunes your house, could be torn right into the water, slide right into the water, and be blown right into the water. But thanks to the Hawksbill your new beach house is safe and sound. (Wilson, E.G., Miller, K.L., Allison, D. and Magliocca. Retrieved 29 Nov, 2015)
Other factors contributing to the changing Hawksbill’s ecosystem are marine debris and pollution. It is estimated that there are 100 million tons of plastics in the Earth’s oceans. This is equal to the landmass of the United States and India. The turtles ingest the plastics mistaking them for jellyfish, once ingested the results are catastrophic. The turtles no longer eat and often cannot pass gas. Therefore, they float to the water surface and are an easy target for predators. The consumption of plastic not only disturbs the food chain, it also kills turtles. (Sea Turtle Conservancy (2011) Retrieved 1 Nov, 2015)
Hawksbill's make the ocean a wonderful place:
Hawksbills are making the ocean’s ecosystems better by doing their everyday routines, improving biodiversity, keeping the coral reefs free of invasive species, and providing food and nutrients for a multitude of organisms. It is our job to lead the way in making sure they continue doing their everyday routines.