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Illegal Shell Trade

Hawksbill turtles, hunted for their shells, are critically endangered, with a 90% decline over the last century despite trade bans.
The Problem

Illegal Shell Trade

Hawksbill sea turtles, recognized for their beautiful gold and brown shells, have been hunted for centuries to create jewelry and other luxury items. As a result, these turtles are now listed as critically endangered. They are especially threatened in the Indian and Pacific oceans and along the Caribbean Coast. To improve their survival outlook, an international agreement signed by 183 governments, known as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), declared the trade of these shells illegal in 1977.

Today, the demand for shells continues on the black market, online and in tourist markets. Lack of information about sea turtles leads many tourists to unwittingly support the international trade in these endangered species. Buying, selling or importing any sea turtle products within the United States is strictly prohibited by law, but turtle shell jewelry and souvenirs are still the most frequent contraband items seized by customs officials from tourists returning from the Caribbean.

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Tracking the Numbers

Taking a Closer Look

Evidence suggests that the online trade is growing and, in some countries, may exceed in-person sales. In addition, though the research is difficult to compare over time, the domestic trade appears to be declining in at least five countries.
90%
Estimated decline in hawksbill numbers due to illegal shell trade.
40
Countries where illegal tortoiseshell trade still exists
4
Countries or territories where domestic tortoiseshell trade remains legal
The Solution

Turtles are Too Rare to Wear

The US is the world’s second largest market for illegal wildlife products and tourists who purchase them abroad and bring them home often don’t realize they are contributing to the decline of a critically endangered species. However, collaboration between conservation groups and government agencies will ultimately be responsible for ending the turtleshell trade.

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How You Can Help

Tips & Resources

Learn How To Recognize Real Turtleshell

Turtleshell (also sometimes called “tortoiseshell”), comes from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle and is made of keratin. It can be confused for items that look similar, including cow bone or horn, plastic, or coconut shell. This guide will help you tell the difference so you can accurately identify it when shopping for souvenirs. When in doubt, purchase something that you can be sure is not turtleshell.

Take the Pledge to Avoid Turtleshell

When traveling in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, or Africa, pledge to shop carefully at souvenir shops and look for and avoid any products made of turtleshell, including bracelets, earrings, rings, guitar picks, combs, and fans. Look for and purchase locally-made and eco-friendly products. Sign the official pledge here!

Report Turtleshell Products

Download the SEE Shell App to find out if a product is made of real turtleshell, and if so, report it! You can also report items for sale online through Facebook, ebay, etc.

Travel Sustainably and Support Turtle-Friendly Locations

Research destinations before you travel and give preference to “turtle-friendly” locations i.e. places with laws that protect sea turtles.

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