Actor Liu Ye swims with a sea turtle in the South China Sea near Sansha city, May 23, 2018. （Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
All seven species of sea turtles face a wide range of threats including habitat loss, ocean pollution and plastic debris, bycatch, and the consumption of their meat, eggs, and products made from their shells.
All species are listed on CITES Appendix I, prohibiting any form of trade in their products. But a significant illegal trade continues around the world, primarily in Asia and Central America.
Recent years have seen a high number of trade networks operating around the Coral Triangle, the South China Sea, and the border areas of China and Vietnam.
Since 2013, a reported over 1100 live or sea turtles or their taxidermies have been confiscated from illegal smugglers on the open seas in the region. Hawksbill turtles are often sold as full taxidermies or their shells are made into products including jewelry, musical instruments, and other collectables.
A WildAid survey of 1,500 people in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beihai, and Sanya found that 17% of respondents have purchased sea turtle products in the past, and 22% expressed interest in purchasing the products in the future.
