Hello everyone, my name's Lega-sea, and I’m celebrating 20 years of support by the Four Seasons Nevis Resort! I guess we could call me the shy gal of the bunch, an introvert of sorts. I just like to keep things inside my shell where it's safe! For the love of STC's annual Tour De Turtle's event, I'm mustering up all the confidence I have to be out here with you all and begin my migration. This year, the cause I am racing for is illegal shell trade. Oh gosh, that sounds scary, doesn't it? Illegal shell trade is common within the hawksbill family because our shells are highly sought after for their beautiful pattern, which has caused us to become critically endangered. In the past 100 years, the hawksbill population has decreased by 90 percent and this is because our shells are marketable for things like jewelry and other luxurious items. I cannot imagine a life without my cozy, gold and brown shell. I believe it's crucial that we fight against this trade because it vastly affects the number of hawksbill and other turtles in our world. We all can educate others on the dangers of shell trade. By collaborating with conservation groups and government agencies, we can gain more trade control and place a stricter emphasis on international and regional trade agreements. This education and awareness will hopefully diminish shell trade for good. Now don't make me blush or anything, but cheer me on as I migrate for the cause of illegal shell trade!

I was named by my Sponsor, Four Seasons. Check out my marathon migration map, where you can follow along as I swim to raise awareness about the threat of Illegal Shell Trade to sea turtles. Please help me raise awareness about my cause by supporting me!

Learn more about hawksbill sea turtles.