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Too Rare To Wear Survey Finds Turtleshell In More Than 30% of Shops

Too Rare To Wear Survey Finds Turtleshell In More Than 30% of Shops, Suggests Tourists Can Help Save Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles by Purchasing Souvenirs Wisely

One tourist at a time can help save the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle from extinction. A report on a recently concluded three-month survey of nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean identified more than 10,000 turtleshell items for sale at more than 200 souvenir shops and vendors, representing more than 30 percent of places visited. Though the international trade of hawksbill turtleshell has declined over the past few decades, this report shows that strong demand for these products continues in the region, which has a significant impact on efforts to recover the species.

: Sea turtle shell bracelet produced by local artisan in Managaua, Nicaragua. © Hal Brindley for all three photos

The report, titled “Endangered Souvenirs,” investigated 50 tourist spots in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, Cuba, Grenada, and Colombia. The products identified had a total value of more than US $50,000 though the numbers should be considered very conservative as only products in view were counted. Prices ranged from a low of less than US $1 for bracelets and rings in Nicaragua to as high as US $200 for an elaborate comb in Havana, Cuba. Nicaragua had by far the largest numbers for sale with more than 7,000 items counted and roughly 70 percent of shops found selling them, particularly in markets in Masaya and Managua. Other hotspots for turtleshell sales included Cartagena (Colombia), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), San Salvador (El Salvador), and Havana (Cuba). 35 individuals with 12 conservation organizations collected the data from December 2016 to February 2017 as part of the Too Rare To Wear campaign.

“Our research will help inspire tourists traveling to the Caribbean and Latin America to be part of the solution by helping them to purchase wisely,” said Brad Nahill, President and Co-Founder of SEE Turtles and director of Too Rare To Wear, who is a co-author on the report. Too Rare To Wear is a non-profit project of The Ocean Foundation partnering with a coalition of conservation organizations, tour operators and tourism partners, media outlets, and others that support sea turtle conservation and promote ecotourism around the world.

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, past president of the International Sea Turtle Society, helps put it into perspective, “Travel inspires people to learn, form lifelong memories and care about nature. By purchasing local handmade souvenirs that aren’t made from turtleshell or from other animals, people can support the positive changes this campaign promotes and be part of building the well-being of coastal communities and oceans.”

The study shows that North Americans are in some places the top purchasers of these products, along with Europeans travelers. Both North Americans and Europeans pay the highest prices for these products. Cruise ship passengers in particular were identified by vendors as primary consumers in several places, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Grenada, and Honduras. Though the international trade is illegal under CITES (the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species), several vendors reported that their products were imported from other countries, primarily from Nicaragua but Cuba was also mentioned as a source.

“Cruise ship passengers in particular need to be discerning when purchasing souvenirs. Several sellers of turtleshell reported that their top purchasers come from international cruise ships and these companies have an opportunity to help stop this trade by educating their clients on how to avoid turtleshell products,” said Nahill.

This information will assist an educational campaign that Too Rare To Wear launched recently within the travel industry. The goal is to inspire tourists visiting these regions to avoid purchasing hawksbill shell trinkets, jewelry, and souvenirs, ending the demand for these products. Hawksbill products are illegal to sell in most places and having them shipped or bringing them back into the U.S. can pose a problem for the buyer as it violates international treaties.

: Credit ICAPO for all three images

As of early 2017, the world’s tropical beaches host an estimated 15,000 remaining nesting female hawksbill sea turtles. Market forces targeting hawksbills are outrunning conservation efforts to save the species and its coral reef habitat. This species is found in tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.

Considered to be the most beautiful of sea turtles owing to their colorful shell, which helps to camouflage them in coral reefs, this beauty has also led to their severe decline. It’s estimated that in the last 100 years global hawksbill populations have declined by a staggering 90 percent. Their shell is covered in colorful gold, brown, orange, and reddish streaked overlapping scales (also called scutes) which can be polished and carved to make jewelry, trinkets, and other embellishments.

Riding on the backs of endangered hawksbill sea turtles and other ocean life is the viability of a recreation industry centered on coral reefs worth well over $10 billion annually. Only a small handful of marine animals specialize in eating sponges, making the role of the hawksbill on coral reefs an important one. By consuming a diet that consists largely of certain species of sponges, they play an important role in the reef ecosystem by keeping sponge populations in check, which allows other species to occupy space on the reef and increases biodiversity. Without hawksbill sea turtles, sponges can overgrow and crowd out vital reef-building corals, damaging the very places that many travelers are coming to visit.

The full report can be downloaded from www.TooRareToWear.org/Report. For more information on the campaign and to pledge support please visit: http://www.tooraretowear.org/. A new video on YouTube also tells the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFS63Wc3pQ.

—

PR Contact for Information, Photos, and Interviews: Widness and Wiggins PR

Sara Widness / sara@widnesspr.com / Ph: 802-234-6704

Dave Wiggins / dave@travelnewssource.com / Ph: 720-301-3822

Follow Too Rare To Wear on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tooraretowear/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Save_Hawksbills

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFS63Wc3pQ

Related Topics:sea turtles SEE Turtles sustainable jewelry

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SeaKeepers 2025: Tribute To Jimmy Buffett And Award For Emily Cunningham

The International SeaKeepers Society will host its highly anticipated Founders Event on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show—bringing together ocean lovers, conservation leaders, and marine enthusiasts to celebrate a shared passion for the sea.

This special evening will highlight two extraordinary honorees: Jimmy Buffett, posthumously recognized as the 2025 SeaKeeper of the Year, and Emily Cunningham, MBE, recipient of the 2025 NextGen Award. The Society will also celebrate the 2025 DISCOVERY Fleet, whose vessels supported vital marine research and education throughout the year.

Honoring a Legacy: Jimmy Buffett
2025 SeaKeeper of the Year

Jimmy Buffett was a legendary singer-songwriter and beloved “tropical troubadour” whose music captured the carefree spirit of coastal living and ocean adventure. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Buffett’s career blended storytelling, humor, and escapism into anthems for beach bums, dreamers, and pirates-at-heart.
Beyond the music, Buffett was a passionate ocean advocate. His philanthropic efforts supported coral reef conservation, manatee protection, and marine ecosystem preservation—making his legacy as impactful in environmental circles as in popular culture.

Jimmy Buffett peeking out from a stage prop styled as an airplane cockpit with the words “Air Margaritaville” during a live performance. — Jimmy Buffett performing live with his iconic Air Margaritaville stage set—embodying his trademark blend of music, humor, and coastal adventure.

Black and white photo of Jimmy Buffett relaxing shirtless on a sailboat, wearing aviator sunglasses and smiling at sea. — Jimmy Buffett performing live with his iconic Air Margaritaville stage set—embodying his trademark blend of music, humor, and coastal adventure.

Celebrating the Future: Emily Cunningham, MBE
2025 NextGen Award Recipient

Emily Cunningham is a marine biologist and global conservation leader currently directing WWF’s Global River Dolphins Initiative across 14 countries. She is also the co-founder of #Motion4theOcean, a grassroots movement advancing ocean recovery at the local government level. Emily has represented this work at global venues, including UNESCO’s Cities with the Ocean forum. With a strong commitment to youth, equity, and environmental justice, she continues to lead collaborative marine mammal research with The International SeaKeepers Society in British waters.

Event Details

Event:
2025 Annual Founders Event
Hosted by The International SeaKeepers Society

Date:
Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time:
7:00 PM – Cocktails
8:30 PM – Dinner

Location:
Pier Sixty-Six
2301 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Honorees:

Jimmy Buffett, 2025 SeaKeeper of the Year

Emily Cunningham, MBE, 2025 NextGen Award

2025 DISCOVERY Fleet, for their year-round support of SeaKeepers programming

RSVP Deadline:
Friday, October 24, 2025

Contact:
Email: Marjurie@SeaKeepers.org
Phone: +1 786.924.6209

RSVP & Ticket Information

This is a ticketed event with limited capacity. RSVPs are required for entry. For ticket purchases or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Marjurie or visit SeaKeepers.org for details.

2025 DISCOVERY Fleet Recognition

SeaKeepers will recognize the contributions of its DISCOVERY Fleet, a collective of vessels that hosted marine research, educational programming, and outreach around the world. The 2025 impact spans the following regions:

USA, Headquarters
Asia & Bangladesh
United Kingdom
South Pacific

Attendees will have an opportunity to explore each chapter’s achievements and the vessels that played a vital role in supporting SeaKeepers’ mission this year.

Accommodations for Guests

As a courtesy to out-of-town guests, SeaKeepers has secured a limited number of rooms at Pier Sixty-Six Resort. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be reserved no later than Monday, October 6, 2025.
To book:
Call +1 954.525.6666 or follow the online reservation link provided by the resort.

Please note: After the October 6 deadline, all unclaimed rooms will be released back into general sale.

News

Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award Now Accepting Applications for 2025

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award (WIOSA). A unique opportunity for early-career women in ocean science seeking professional growth, mentorship, and hands-on research experience.

This initiative will support one WIOSA Scholar and two WIOSA Interns, with research focused on one of the following key topics:

Seagrass ecology
Coastal blue carbon
Coral recruitment dynamics

The selected projects will directly support CCMI’s Blue Carbon Offset and Biodiversity Project, furthering critical research on climate resilience and marine ecosystems.

Photo credit: Blue Carbon Offset & Biodiversity – CCMI

WIOSA Scholar Opportunity

The WIOSA Scholar position is intended for a post-doctoral level researcher seeking to advance an independent research career. Scholars may propose their own research or collaborate on CCMI’s current programming. Preference will be given to projects that investigate:

The role of seagrass beds
Coral recruitment processes
Carbon cycling and its influence on reef and coastal resilience

Location: Little Cayman Research Centre
Fellowship Term: 2025–2027

Support Package:

$5,000 USD annual fellowship
$10,000 USD annual research support (including one month of fieldwork, diving, boat use, equipment, room and board)
$800 USD travel support
Conference travel funding to present at a regional scientific meeting

In addition, the selected scholar will mentor one of the WIOSA Interns through a transparent selection process.

WIOSA Internships

Two internship positions are available for graduate students (Master’s or PhD level) pursuing careers in ocean science. Interns will gain field-based experience by contributing to a project led by the WIOSA Scholar.

Key Requirements:

Certified and experienced scuba diver
Interest in coral recruitment, seagrass dynamics, or coastal blue carbon

Duration: 2.5 months
Location: Little Cayman Research Centre

Support Package:

$500 USD monthly stipend
$800 USD travel support
Room and board provided
One-on-one mentorship from a WIOSA Scholar

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
To Apply: Email your CV and cover letter to WIOS@reefresearch.org

For full details, visit: https://reefresearch.org/about-ccmi/our-people/positions-available/

Contact

For any questions about the award or application process, please get in touch.

Abbie Dosell
Head of Fundraising and Engagement
www.reefresearch.org
facebook.com/reefresearch

Art & Culture

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge

A Tribute to the Ocean’s Keystone Species:

Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, an international student art contest that promotes ocean conservation. This year’s theme, Marine Keystone Species, invited students to create artwork highlighting species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of ocean ecosystems.

Open to primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old, the competition received an overwhelming response this year. Over 1,300 young artists from 75 countries submitted artwork—each piece a unique interpretation of a marine keystone species, from sea otters and mangroves to corals and sharks. These species may not always be the most numerous or well-known, but they have an outsized impact on their environment. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity, balance food webs, and support ecosystem resilience. If a keystone species is removed, the entire ecosystem could shift dramatically or collapse. Through their art, students explored these complex ecological relationships and made a compelling case for ocean conservation.

Artwork in the competition was judged in two categories based on age. The winning entries are not only beautiful pieces of artwork—they are a tribute to the animals that keep our ocean ecosystems in balance.

Hyungjun Chin, 18, from the Republic of Korea, holding his winning artwork "The Keeper" featuring a sea otter in a kelp forest.

In the 15–19 age group, the first-place winner of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge is Hyungjun Chin, with his enchanting piece, “The Keeper.” An 18-year-old student from the Republic of Korea, Hyungjun’s artwork depicts a sea otter eating sea urchins in a vibrant kelp forest, highlighting the otter’s role in protecting the kelp from overgrazing.

“Winning the Science Without Borders Challenge® means a lot to me,” said Hyungjun. “It feels incredibly rewarding to have my artwork recognized on an international level, especially when it’s about a topic I care deeply about—the environment. I wanted my artwork to show how every species has a role and how protecting even one can save many.”

Kimin Kim from the Republic of Korea with her second-place artwork “Bridge Between Waters and Worlds,” featuring mangroves and fish.

Second place in the 15–19 category went to Kimin Kim of the Republic of Korea for her artwork, “Bridge Between Waters and Worlds.” Her piece highlights the importance of mangrove trees as habitat for species both above and below the waterline, and their role in purifying the water for nearby seagrass meadows.

Daniel Yu from Hackensack, NJ, standing beside his colorful mangrove-themed artwork “The Sea's Yggdrasil.”

Daniel Yu from Hackensack, New Jersey, claimed third place with “The Sea’s Yggdrasil,” a striking portrayal of mangroves as ecosystem engineers—stabilizing coastlines, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants from the water to support surrounding marine life.

Gia Kim, age 12, from Los Angeles, holding her painting “Melting Grounds” depicting krill and glacial waters.

In the 11–14 age group, Gia Kim, age 12, from Los Angeles, California, earned first place for “Melting Grounds,” her powerful painting of krill—tiny but vital creatures that form the heart of the food web in the Arctic and Antarctic. Her artwork illustrates how the loss of such species, due to threats like climate change and ocean acidification, could lead to ecological collapse.

“I hope this piece raises awareness about our damaged ocean and what could happen if we continue to harm it,” said Gia. “This is our planet, and we can make a change, starting with our warming ocean.”

Kate Wang standing on a wooden deck holding her seagrass-themed painting “Seagrass Savior.”

Second place in the 11–14 age group went to Kate Wang from Canada for “Seagrass Savior,” which illustrates how the large appetites of tiger sharks help protect fragile seagrass ecosystems.

Annie Douglas from The Bahamas standing beside her painting of a coral reef ecosystem titled “The Beauty of Coral Reef.”

Third place was awarded to Annie Douglas from The Bahamas for “The Beauty of Coral Reef,” celebrating reef-building corals. Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support roughly 25% of all marine species, including over 4,000 kinds of fish.

Each of the winners will receive scholarships of up to $500 from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to celebrate their achievements and help them pursue their interests in art and ocean conservation.

Now in its 13th year, the Science Without Borders® Challenge continues to engage students in important ocean science and conservation topics through art. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation created the competition to educate students around the world about the need to preserve our oceans and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.

“The goal of this contest has always been to educate students about the ocean through art,” said Amy Heemsoth, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education at the Foundation. “This year’s theme helped them understand how essential certain species are to the health of marine ecosystems. Their artwork serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect our oceans for future generations.”

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge, and thanks them for using their creativity and passion to inspire positive change for our oceans.

For more information:
Visit: www.LOF.org

Gallery

“The Keeper,” painting of a sea otter floating in kelp, holding a sea urchin. — First-place winner Hyungjun Chin (age 18) from the Republic of Korea with “The Keeper,” a tribute to sea otters as marine keystone species.

About the Organizations:

About the Science Without Borders® Challenge:
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international student art contest run by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation to engage students in marine conservation through art. The annual competition welcomes entries from all primary and secondary school students 11–19 years old. Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to the winning entries. Students and teachers interested in next year’s competition can learn more and apply at:
www.livingoceansfoundation.org/SWBchallenge

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation:
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the world’s oceans. Through science, outreach, and education, the Foundation works to conserve coral reefs and other tropical marine ecosystems, enhance ocean literacy, and inspire conservation action. Learn more at www.livingoceansfoundation.org