Emergency room nurse Victoria Bradshaw had a memorable encounter while preparing to fish near Haida Gwaii. What she initially thought was a sea lion turned out to be one of the largest sea turtles—the leatherback sea turtle. Capturing the moment on her phone, Bradshaw shared her excitement about the animal swimming close to her boat. After the sighting, the turtle, which has only been spotted 149 times in British Columbia since 1931, disappeared beneath the waves after a brief appearance.
The leatherback sea turtle, a species endangered in Canada, travels thousands of miles from Indonesia to feed on jellyfish in the nutrient-rich waters of British Columbia. Jackie Hildering, an education and communications director at the Marine Education and Research Society, highlighted the significance of this sighting for raising awareness about marine life. She described how the leatherback’s unique adaptations allow it to efficiently consume jellyfish, but they also face risks from consuming marine debris, such as plastic bags that resemble their food.
Hildering emphasized the importance of protecting marine ecosystems to ensure the survival of the leatherback sea turtles and other species. She urged the public to be mindful of their waste disposal habits, emphasizing the need to keep the oceans free of plastic and garbage. The presence of leatherbacks in the region is a compelling reminder of the health of marine environments, and every sighting contributes to greater public understanding and appreciation of these majestic creatures.
Bradshaw’s unexpected encounter with the turtle in Haida Gwaii reignited interest in the species, which last had a recorded sighting in the area in 2008. Her excitement reflected a broader sentiment in the community regarding the importance of marine conservation. “You never expect to see that in our waters,” she expressed, noting that witnessing such a large and rare species in its natural habitat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In her reflections, Bradshaw acknowledged the awe of seeing such a large creature up close. She noted that while whales are commonly admired in the region, the sheer size and rarity of the leatherback made this encounter stand out. It served as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the ongoing need to protect marine life.
The leatherback sea turtle, with its unique characteristics and habitat needs, serves as an ambassador for marine conservation efforts. As more sightings are reported and awareness continues to grow, initiatives to protect the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems gain momentum, reinforcing the necessity of caring for the environment. Hildering encapsulated this sentiment, saying, “They belong in our waters,” reflecting a collective responsibility to ensure the survival of this remarkable species.
