Celebrating shelled swimmers: World Sea Turtle Day dives into deep appreciation

Friday is World Sea Turtle Day.

June 16 marks the annual celebration of these shelled explorers of the ocean.

There are seven species of sea turtles, including the following:

• Leatherback
• Green Turtle
• Hawksbill
• Loggerhead
• Olive Ridley
• Kemp's Ridley
• Flatback

The reptiles have been around for more than 100 million years. Some of them can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and dive nearly 4,000 feet deep.

Most sea turtles are endangered.

The public can help by making sure plastic and other garbage make it into a recycling bin or trash can. You can also help by obeying all lighting regulations where sea turtles are nesting. Artificial light can confuse hatchlings and draw them inland instead of to the ocean.