The sea turtle is an iconic representation of peaceful blue tropical oceans, sandy beaches and relaxing island lifestyles. Sea turtles are an integral part of the global marine life spectrum. In the oceans, green sea turtles are among the very few creatures that eat sea grass (manatees eat sea grass as well). Sea grass needs to be constantly cut short to help it grow across the sea floor so grazing helps to maintain the health of these grass beds. They provide breeding and developmental grounds for numerous marine animals. Without them, many marine species that humans harvest would be lost along with lower levels of the food chain.
Sea turtles also use beaches and the lower dunes to nest and lay their eggs. Beaches and dunes are a fragile habitat that depend on vegetation to protect against erosion. Eggs, hatched or unhatched, and hatchlings that fail to make it into the ocean are nutrient sources for dune vegetation. This allow the vegetation to grow and become stronger which in turn creates root systems which help to hold the sand in place and protect the beach from erosion.
Sea turtles have an especially significant meaning in the South Pacific. In Hawaiian legends, the sea turtle is called “Honu” and is said to have guided the first Polynesians to these islands. Another legend describes the protective nature of the sea turtle called “Kailua”. It is said that this sea turtle would turn into a woman to protect children playing on beaches. A sea turtle’s ability to return home, after swimming many miles in the sea is said to represent good luck and faithfulness.
In Fijian culture, the sea turtle symbolizes fertility, wellness and protection. The shell is a symbol of heaven while the underside is a symbol of earth. So the sea turtle is considered to be a being who unites heaven and earth. This helps to explain why the sea turtle is featured so prominently throughout Fijian and South Pacific artwork and culture.
