SOS-SEATURTLES

 was founded some 30 years ago by a small group of photographers, journalists and divers. All of us were very concerned and angry about how these animals were treated all over the world. Using our connections to the press and other medias, we initiated a public information campaign about the turtles by publishing articles world-wide.

This created awareness in the millions of people who have seen the horrible pictures and read the facts about sea turtles which were brought by humans close to extinction Because the enforcement of international laws is a slow and tedious procedure and they are very often violated. Some of our first actions and campaigns was, informing tourists trough brochures written in almost all mayor languages, SOS-SEATURTLES was able to curb the demand for turtle Products on the Maldives islands and along the red sea of Egypt. Tortoise-shell souvenirs have practically disappeared from souvenir shops as a result to these measures.

Scuba diving organizations have turned out to be a very successful way of educating divers. Many thousands of diving instructors use flyers provided by SOS Sea Turtles in order to deliver it to her students. This is to guarantee that divers treat sea turtles in an appropriate manner and encourage their protection. The greatest success we had on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Until the year 1990 aprox 30´000 turtles were slaughtered annually . Together with the Indonesian organization PRO FAUNA, we were able to close the slaughter houses and curb the trade rigorously.
We are a small and absolutely independent group. Therefore we can decide quickly and can act, write, say and publish what and wherever we want ! Sea Turtles needs the support of everyone who is concerned about nature in order help to prevent their extinction in a near future.

Photo Credits by: ©sos-seaturtles
http://www.sos-seaturtles.ch