Beautiful sea turtle works hard to get its meal in the crevice

Hawksbill sea turtles are the most beautiful of all sea turtles. Their ornate shells are decorated with green, brown, and golden markings, making them a true to delight to see on the reef. But their beauty was nearly their downfall as the demand for their shells brought them perilously close to extinction. Hunted to make brush handles and jewelry boxes, the number of hawksbill sea turtles plummeted in the last two centuries. Although they are making a comeback, they are still listed as critically endangered.

Strict laws now prohibit the use or exportation of turtle shells like these. Conservation efforts and education have also helped to ease the pressure on these beautiful animals. They are carnivores because they eat sponges, which are also animals, and they eat coral. But the hawksbill helps keep algae at bay on the reef, which helps with the health of the coral. Their absence would leave a hole in the ecosystem that would have detrimental effects on the ocean.

This magnificent turtle is a large one, and likely to be at least 50 years old. Some turtles live more than 100 years but the true longevity of hawksbills is unknown. They have many predators in the early years, including crabs, birds, and fish. But once they reach maturity at about 20 years of age, their shells act as sufficient protection from all but large sharks and orcas. Habitat loss and fishing nets also continue to be a serious threat for the turtles.

This large female was busy trying to get at a yellow sponge that had grown in the crevice under some coral. Determined, the turtle broke off chunks of coral and rubble to get at the tasty meal beneath. The videographer spotted the turtle from quite a distance. Hoping to get a close look without disturbing the turtle, he made a very slow and cautious approach. The turtle kept an eye on the scuba diver at first, but soon realized that the clumsy human meant her no harm. She carried on eating without reaction. Usually, hawksbills are shy and reclusive. They will not allow a close approach under most circumstances. Even among their own species, they are not social animals and they will only gather together to mate.

This beautiful animal was a joy to see so close up. This is a dive that the scuba diver will not soon forget.