{{Short description|Non-profit conservation organization}} {{Infobox organization | name = Sea Turtles 911 | image = 220px | type = Nonprofit Organization | founded = 2008 in Hawaii, United States | tax_id = | registration_id = | founder = Frederick Yeh | location = United States, China | coordinates = | origins = | key_people = | product = | focus = Sea turtle, Marine conservation | method = Grassroots | revenue = | endowment = | owner = | dissolved = | website = {{URL|https://www.seaturtles911.org/}} | footnotes = }}
'''Sea Turtles 911''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles.<ref name=bbc>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150521-in-china-saving-sea-turtles-from-soup|title=The unlikely sea turtle saviour|first=Amanda|last=Ruggeri|date=|website=bbc.com|accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref><ref name=cnn>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/china-hainan-sea-turtles/index.html|title=Could rare sea turtles return to the Hawaii of China?|first=Ben|last=Westcott|date=August 28, 2017|website=CNN Travel}}</ref><ref name=dedicated3>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-08/23/c_132657228.htm |title=Sea Turtles 911 dedicated to sea turtle conservation - Xinhua | English.news.cn |website=news.xinhuanet.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826085112/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-08/23/c_132657228.htm |archive-date=26 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=dedicated4>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/11354/2013/08/24/2561s783859.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016154345/http://english.cri.cn/11354/2013/08/24/2561s783859.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 16, 2013|title=Sea Turtles 911 Dedicated to Sea Turtle Conservation|website=english.cri.cn}}</ref><ref name=dedicated5>{{cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90882/8375839.html|title=Sea Turtles 911 dedicated to sea turtle conservation - People's Daily Online|last=F_100542|date=|website=english.people.com.cn|accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref><ref name=dedicated6>{{cite web|url=http://www.asamnews.com/tag/sea-turtle-911/|title=Sea Turtle 911 - AsAm News|website=AsAm News}}</ref><ref name=dedicated7>{{cite web|url=http://www.womenofchina.cn/html/womenofchina/report/152231-1.htm|title=Sea Turtles 911 Dedicated to Sea Turtle Conservation - All China Women's Federation|website=www.womenofchina.cn}}</ref><ref name=dedicated8>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianturtleprogram.org/pages/turtle-bulletin/Bulletin96_6Sep13/Bulletin_96.htm|title=Asian Turtle Program|website=www.asianturtleprogram.org}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref name=dedicated9>{{cite web|url=http://thereptilereport.com/sea-turtles-911/|title=Sea Turtles 911 - The Reptile Report|website=thereptilereport.com}}</ref> The organization was formed in Hawaii, in the United States, and operates primarily on Hainan island, China.<ref name=hilton>{{cite web |url=http://www.paulhiltonphotography.com/index.php/field-notes/30 |title=Paul Hilton Photography | Field Notes |accessdate=2011-11-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109104419/http://www.paulhiltonphotography.com/index.php/field-notes/30 |archivedate=2011-11-09 }}</ref><ref name=ioseastar>{{cite web|url=http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=2947|title=Indian Ocean - South-East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding|website=www.ioseaturtles.org}}</ref><ref name=peopledaily>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90883/7771236.html|title=NGO releases rare sea turtle into South China Sea - People's Daily Online|last=F_404|date=|website=english.peopledaily.com.cn|accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref> The organization directs actions towards public education, policy change through government and academic sources, support of conservation-focused ecotourism, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles.<ref name=best>{{cite web |url=http://bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/China--Until-the-seas-are-safe-again/ |title=China: Until the seas are safe again |accessdate=2013-10-16 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130703202901/http://bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/China--Until-the-seas-are-safe-again/ |archivedate=2013-07-03 }}</ref><ref name=HawaiiStar>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaii247.com/2012/03/27/satellite-tagged-sea-turtle-released-in-hainan/|title=Satellite-tagged sea turtle released in Hainan|date=28 March 2012|publisher=}}</ref><ref name=balazs>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-20205-iucn-sea-turtles-911-release-tagged-sea-turtle-in-sanya.html |title=IUCN & Sea Turtles 911 release tagged sea turtle in Sanya - What's on Sanya |website=www.whatsonsanya.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301195926/http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-20205-iucn-sea-turtles-911-release-tagged-sea-turtle-in-sanya.html |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Founding Director Frederick Yeh has said, "...if we can bring multiple sectors in our community together, it will be very beneficial to sea turtle conservation in China. It is my hope that we can put other issues aside and agree on sea turtle rights, for the advancement of sea turtle conservation."<ref name=iost>{{cite web|url=http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=2207|title=Indian Ocean - South-East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding|website=www.ioseaturtles.org|access-date=2011-03-25|archive-date=2018-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620043209/http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=2207|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=sanyabay>{{cite web |url=http://sanyaexpat.com/index.php/news-sanya-hainan-china-world-sanyabay-dadonghai-yalongwan-shimeibay-haitangbay-haikou-shanghai/seaturtles911-ritzcarlton-yalongbay-sany?blog=1 |title=Seven Rescued Sea Turtles Released on Yalong Bay with the Support of Ritz Carlton |website=sanyaexpat.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129011418/http://sanyaexpat.com/index.php/news-sanya-hainan-china-world-sanyabay-dadonghai-yalongwan-shimeibay-haitangbay-haikou-shanghai/seaturtles911-ritzcarlton-yalongbay-sany?blog=1 |archive-date=29 January 2011 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> Efforts are focused on the Hainan Island coastal regions, but educational projects do extend onto Mainland China and internationally. The organization is run almost entirely by volunteers. Operations see hundreds of volunteers, students, ecotourists, and sick and injured sea turtles passing through each year.<ref name=studentgroups>{{cite web|url=http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-944870|title=YCIS "Sea Turtles 911" Trip to Hainan Island|website=CNN iReport}}</ref>
== History ==
Sea Turtles 911 was founded by Frederick Yeh, who discovered that there were no longer nesting populations of sea turtles on the beaches of Hainan island as he once remembered from his childhood.<ref name=hilton /><ref name=best /> After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Yeh returned to China to promote sea turtle conservation in a region where sea turtles are still being hunted for their meat and shell.<ref name=bbc /><ref name=cnn /><ref name=hilton /><ref name=best /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna17872561|title=Poachers with nearly 300 sea turtles nabbed|website=NBC News|date=30 March 2007|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/turtle-poaching128.html#cr|title=wildlifeextra.com - wildlifeextra Resources and Information.|website=www.wildlifeextra.com}}</ref> Some locals in Hainan now call him "Haigui" or "the returning sea turtle."<ref name=hilton /><ref name=best />
=== Facility and location === <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|At the floating sea turtle hospital, volunteers return sea turtle patient into her net enclosure after administering medical treatments. --> To quell the demand for sea turtle meat and products, Sea Turtles 911 initially began focusing on public awareness campaigns within the tourist resort city of Sanya, China, located on the southern tip of Hainan island. In order to raise awareness with local fishermen and rescue turtles, a sea turtle hospital was built in a floating fishing village in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, where the sea turtle black market was thriving.<ref name=IE />
The organization's sea turtle hospital is a unique facility in that it is actually floating on the ocean water.<ref name=HawaiiStar /><ref name=IE>{{cite web |url=http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/sea_turtles_911/ |title=Positions | Sea Turtles 911 | IE3 Global Internships |website=ie3global.ous.edu |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430221332/http://ie3global.ous.edu/positions/sea_turtles_911/ |archive-date=30 April 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=hospital1>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2013-09/03/c_132688041.htm |title=Floating hospital saves sea turtles - Xinhua | English.news.cn |website=news.xinhuanet.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114185041/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2013-09/03/c_132688041.htm |archive-date=14 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=hospital2>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2013/09/03/Floating-hospital-in-China-dedicated-to-caring-for-sea-turtles/18231378254043/|title=Floating hospital in China dedicated to caring for sea turtles|website=UPI}}</ref><ref name=hospital3>{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2013-09/04/content_29924143.htm|title=Floating hospital saves sea turtles - China.org.cn|last=弓迎春|website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> At the floating sea turtle hospital, sick and injured sea turtles are rehabilitated and recover inside large net enclosures, which are suspended by ropes tied to the deck above.<ref name=hospital4>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2013-09-03/content_10025472.html|title=Around China: Floating hospital saves sea turtles-chinadaily.com.cn|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref><ref name=hospital5>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6909/2013/09/03/2724s785697.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016161604/http://english.cri.cn/6909/2013/09/03/2724s785697.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 16, 2013|title=Floating Hospital Saves Sea Turtles|website=english.cri.cn}}</ref><ref name=hospital6>{{cite web|url=http://inotternews.com/?tag=sea-turtle|title=Sea Turtle - inotternews.com|website=inotternews.com}}</ref>
Fishing villages all along the coast of Hainan likely contain many thousands of sea turtles in the hands of poachers. Despite the prevalence of poaching in the local fishing community, some local fishermen have befriended Sea Turtles 911 and Chinese coast guard police frequently assist in rescuing sea turtles from the hands of local poachers.<ref name=iost /><ref name=policehelp>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecns.cn/visual/hd/2013/08-23/24261.shtml|title=Sea Turtles 911 dedicated to sea turtle conservation (9/12) - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|website=www.ecns.cn}}</ref><ref name=dadonghai>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-21841-sea-turtle-release-day-at-sanya-dadonghai-beach.html |title=Sea Turtle Release Day at Sanya Dadonghai Beach - What's on Sanya |website=www.whatsonsanya.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531002319/http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-21841-sea-turtle-release-day-at-sanya-dadonghai-beach.html |archive-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Sea turtle use in China ===
Due to a thriving market demand for sea turtle meat, eggs, and other shell products, a sign of status and wealth and believed to promote health and longevity, sea turtles are nearing extinction in Chinese waters.<ref name=traffic>{{cite web |url=http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_reptiles34.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.traffic.org |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017052648/http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_reptiles34.pdf |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Demand1>{{cite web|url=https://theworld.org/stories/2013/08/15/sea-turtle-poaching-and-high-demand-china|title=Sea Turtle Poaching and High Demand in China|author=|date=|website=pri.org|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref><ref name=Demand2>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworld.org/2012/02/china-turtle-poaching/|title=Sea Turtle Poaching and High Demand in China|author=|date=|website=theworld.org|accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref> Poached sea turtles include endangered Green sea turtles raised primarily for consumption of their meat, and the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle raised for the trade in their shell products such as jewelry, combs, and the frames of eyeglasses.<ref name=hilton /><ref name=traffic /><ref name=Demand1 /><ref name=Demand2 />
Due to the over harvest of turtles in Chinese waters, it is believed increasing numbers of poachers are crossing international borders to illegally hunt sea turtles in the Philippines.<ref name=Demand1 /><ref name=Demand2 /><ref name=Demandphil>{{cite web|url=http://www.pri.org/stories/science/environment/high-demand-for-sea-turtles-in-china-sends-poachers-toward-philippines-8358.html|title=High demand for sea turtles in China sends poachers toward Philippines|publisher=|access-date=2012-06-15|archive-date=2012-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603034253/http://www.pri.org/stories/science/environment/high-demand-for-sea-turtles-in-china-sends-poachers-toward-philippines-8358.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The trade of sea turtle meat and products is illegal in China as well as internationally.<ref name=best /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://iucn-mtsg.org/2010/09/20/images-by-paul-hilton-document-illegal-turtle-trade-in-china/|title=Images by Paul Hilton document illegal turtle trade in China|date=20 September 2010|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/8005/0|title=Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Turtle)|website=www.iucnredlist.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/4615/0|title=Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle)|website=www.iucnredlist.org}}</ref>
== Activism == <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|Medical treatments are provided to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles. -->
Sea Turtles 911's mission is based on the 5 R's: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Research, Raise.<ref name=best />
# '''Rescue''' – sea turtles are rescued from poachers who capture and raise sea turtles for meat and shell products.<ref name=best /> # '''Rehabilitate''' – sea turtles that are rescued are often in need of medical attention for injuries, illnesses, and malnourishment.<ref name=best /> # '''Release''' – the ultimate goal for all injured sea turtles is eventual release back into their ocean home. Turtle release events are organized to raise public awareness.<ref name=best /> # '''Research''' – conservation research projects, such as tagging, sheds light into what happens to the sea turtles after releasing them into the ocean, so conservation efforts can be focused in the areas where turtles nest, forage, breed, and migrate.<ref name=best /> # '''Raise''' – through public events, outreach initiatives, ecotourism programs, and mass media, raising public awareness to educate people on the importance of sea turtles and how they can help save them, is vital to the success of sea turtle conservation.<ref name=best />
<!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|Volunteers educate underprivileged children on sea turtle conservation. -->
Sea Turtles 911 addresses conservation issues by educating the public and tourists about the many threats to sea turtles, encouraging people to discontinue consuming sea turtle meat and purchasing jewelry and items made from the shells of sea turtles.<ref name=cnn /><ref name=best /><ref name=balazs /> Partnerships are also formed with local resorts, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Sanya, to educate hotel guests and their children about the importance of sea turtles to the environment.<ref name=bbc /><ref name=cnn /><ref name=balazs /><ref name=bestvideo>{{cite web |url=http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/eastasia/17102/news.aspx |title=China: Watch this video! |website=network.bestfriends.org |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721000720/http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/eastasia/17102/news.aspx |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=whats>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-14349-sea-turtles-911-holds-turtle-release-ceremony-at-the-ritz-carlton-sanya.html |title=Sea Turtles 911 holds turtle release ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Sanya - What's on Sanya |website=www.whatsonsanya.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109184300/http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-14349-sea-turtles-911-holds-turtle-release-ceremony-at-the-ritz-carlton-sanya.html |archive-date=9 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/Press/Properties/Sanya/Releases/rescues_endangered_sea_turtle_hatchings.htm |title=The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya | Press Release |website=corporate.ritzcarlton.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724093052/http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/Press/Properties/Sanya/Releases/rescues_endangered_sea_turtle_hatchings.htm |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sanyaexpat.com/index.php/2010/01/17/yehforgames-teams-up-with-ritz?blog=1 |title=Yeh for Games, Inc. Volunteers Team up with Ritz Carlton Sanya to Protect Endangered Sea Turtles |website=sanyaexpat.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121011757/http://sanyaexpat.com/index.php/2010/01/17/yehforgames-teams-up-with-ritz?blog=1 |archive-date=21 January 2010 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> In the Ritz's Giveback Getaway Program, tourists are invited to visit the floating hospital to meet the sea turtle patients, volunteer, and learn about sea turtle biology and conservation.<ref name=iost />
Sea Turtles 911 works closely with local fishermen to encourage the conservation and release of Whale sharks caught as by-catch by Chinese fishing boats.<ref name=whalesharkst911>{{cite web|url=http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/good/sea-turtles-911.html|title=wildlifeextra.com - wildlifeextra Resources and Information.|website=www.wildlifeextra.com}}</ref>
The organization also partners with universities in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, by bringing students from Hainan Normal University and Hainan University into the organization to conduct research and educational programs.<ref name=cnn /><ref name=iost />
=== Major events === <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|A sea turtle with a satellite tracker is released from a coast guard police boat to advance conservation research. -->
On January 7, 2011, the Ritz-Carlton and Sea Turtles 911 held a public sea turtle release event in which 7 sea turtles were released, in cooperation with Dr. Nicolas Pilcher, Co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Marine Turtle Specialist Group.<ref name=iost /><ref name=sanyabay /><ref name=bestvideo /><ref name=whats /><ref name=chineserelease>{{cite web|url=http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/police_and_frontier-defence/content/2011-01/11/content_2435104.htm?node=23301|title=海南陵水新村港边防派出所开展"海龟回家"活动--法制网|website=www.legaldaily.com.cn}}</ref>
On May 31, 2011, Sea Turtles 911 volunteers were assisted by local police in the release of a fully rehabilitated green sea turtle back into the ocean following treatment for an injured flipper that was damaged by a fishing vessel propeller.<ref name="maritimepolrelease">{{cite web |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/chinanews/2011-06/01/content_22907090.htm |title=:: 新华网 :: - 地方联播 |website=www.xinhuanet.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112151243/http://www.xinhuanet.com/chinanews/2011-06/01/content_22907090.htm |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On October 1, 2011, world-renowned turtle zoologist Dr. Peter Pritchard and China's top turtle expert Dr. Shi Hai Tao of Hainan Normal University joined with Sea Turtles 911 and coast guard police to release a Hawksbill sea turtle in Lingshui, Hainan. The following day, three Green sea turtles were released in Sanya, Hainan, after an educational presentation by Dr. Pritchard and Dr. Shi.
On February 18, 2012, a tagged Green sea turtle was released at the Ritz-Carlton with George Balazs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).<ref name=balazs /><ref name=crush>{{cite web|url=http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0306-pod-seaturtle911.html#|title=Animal photos of the day: green sea turtle saved in China|website=news.mongabay.com|date=6 March 2012}}</ref> At this event, Sea Turtles 911 introduced Nemo to the public, a newly rehabilitated sea turtle found entangled in discarded fishing line, requiring amputation of his right front flipper.<ref name=balazs />
On March 27, 2012, in cooperation with coast guard police, an adult female Green turtle named Star Blue,<ref name=Starblu>{{cite web |url=http://www.starblu.com/info/uncategorized/starblu-green-turtle-swim-shorts-saving-the-oceans-we-love/ |title=Blog : STARBLU GREEN TURTLE SWIM SHORTS: SAVING THE OCEANS WE LOVE! |website=www.starblu.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415161147/http://www.starblu.com/info/uncategorized/starblu-green-turtle-swim-shorts-saving-the-oceans-we-love/ |archive-date=15 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> was outfitted with a satellite transmitter tag and released.<ref name=ioseastar /><ref name=peopledaily /><ref name=HawaiiStar /><ref name=sanyastar>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-20775-sea-turtles-911-release-satellite-tagged-sea-turtle-in-hainan.html |title=Sea Turtles 911 release satellite tagged sea turtle in Hainan - What's on Sanya |website=www.whatsonsanya.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330235042/http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-20775-sea-turtles-911-release-satellite-tagged-sea-turtle-in-hainan.html |archive-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=HNA2012>{{cite web |url=http://www.hnagroup.com/en/csr/other-projects/green-environment/save-turtle/index.html |title=HNA Group: Other Projects |website=www.hnagroup.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016185024/http://www.hnagroup.com/en/csr/other-projects/green-environment/save-turtle/index.html |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This marked the organization's first conservation research effort to discover and protect areas where sea turtles feed and nest in the South China Sea.<ref name=ioseastar /><ref name=peopledaily /><ref name=HawaiiStar />
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Yao Ming and Frederick Yeh release endangered sea turtle back into the wild.jpg|thumb|right|NBA basketball star and China's top celebrity Yao Ming releases an endangered sea turtle back into the wild during a Sea Turtles 911 event to raise public awareness for environmental conservation.]] -->
On May 27, 2012, in celebration of China's Children's Day, a juvenile Green turtle was released on Dadonghai Beach in Sanya, with the assistance of students from the National University of Singapore.<ref name=dadonghai />
On July 4, 2012, in partnership with Ocean Park Hong Kong and Hainan Normal University, a satellite tagged juvenile whale shark was released along with two juvenile Green sea turtles, one of which was also satellite tagged. The event was hailed as a 'Freedom Release', coincidentally occurring on American Independence Day.<ref name=Freedom>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaii247.com/2012/07/05/freedom-release-whale-shark-and-sea-turtles-in-china/|title=Freedom release: Whale shark and sea turtles in China|date=5 July 2012|publisher=}}</ref><ref name=SanyaFreedom>{{cite web |url=http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-22425-sea-turtles-911-releases-whale-shark-and-sea-turtles-in-hainan.html |title=Sea Turtles 911 releases whale shark and sea turtles in Hainan - What's on Sanya |website=www.whatsonsanya.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023042802/http://www.whatsonsanya.com/news-22425-sea-turtles-911-releases-whale-shark-and-sea-turtles-in-hainan.html |archive-date=23 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On March 23, 2013, two Green turtles were released in commemoration of Earth Hour, the one hour when the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) encourages businesses and households worldwide to switch off their lights to raise awareness on climate change.<ref name=earthhourroar>{{cite web|url=http://roarhawaii.org/sea-turtles-released-during-earth-hour/|title=Sea turtles released during Earth Hour|publisher=|access-date=2013-10-16|archive-date=2013-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016232300/http://roarhawaii.org/sea-turtles-released-during-earth-hour/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=earthhourritz>{{cite web |url=http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/Press/Properties/Sanya/Releases/sea_turtle_conservation_earth_hour.htm |title=The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya Holds Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts in Conjunction with 2013 Earth Hour |website=corporate.ritzcarlton.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016155929/http://corporate.ritzcarlton.com/en/Press/Properties/Sanya/Releases/sea_turtle_conservation_earth_hour.htm |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Sea turtle eggs are influenced by a biological process known as temperature-dependent sex determination, meaning that their gender is determined by the environmental temperature.<ref name=tsd>{{cite journal |pmid=7079758 | volume=216 | issue=4551 | title=Temperature-dependent sex determination: current practices threaten conservation of sea turtles | year=1982 | journal=Science | pages=1245–7 | last1 = Morreale | first1 = SJ | last2 = Ruiz | first2 = GJ | last3 = Spotila | first3 = JR | last4 = Standora | first4 = EA | doi=10.1126/science.7079758| bibcode=1982Sci...216.1245M }}</ref> Higher temperatures due to climate change result in an unbalanced sex ratio, threatening the long-term survival of marine turtles.<ref name=earthhourmonga>{{cite web|url=http://blog.mongabay.com/2013/04/05/sea-turtles-released-during-earth-hour/|title=Sea Turtles Released During Earth Hour|website=blog.mongabay.com}}</ref>
On October 24, 2013, athletes from the Ladies European Tour (LET), China LPGA, and Ladies Asian Golf Tour, teed off by releasing two rescued sea turtles in Sanya, China; a Green sea turtle and a Hawksbill sea turtle.<ref name="letrelease">{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/im_media/docs/golf_20_88pp_4pp_cover/72|title=Ladies Golf Magazine Summer 2013/14 Issue 20|author=|date=|website=Ladies Golf Magazine|accessdate=21 October 2020}}</ref><ref name="letchina">{{cite web|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/golf/2013-10-24/12026847573.shtml|title=三亚女子公开赛球星放生海龟 呼吁保护海洋环境|website=sports.sina.com.cn}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Conservation and sport help turtles {{!}} Conservation {{!}} The Earth Times|url = http://www.earthtimes.org/conservation/conservation-sport-turtles/2481/|website = www.earthtimes.org|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref> Champion Lee-Anne Pace, upon her 2013 LET triumph, continued to champion the cause of the endangered sea turtles by officially adopting a baby sea turtle hatchling, which she named, Jagger.<ref name="pacejagger">{{cite web|url=http://www.bunkershot.com/post/64954584373/golf-tournament-scores-big-with-sea-turtle|title=Golf - Golf Tournament Scores Big with Sea Turtle... -|first=Golf|last=Magazine|publisher=}}</ref>
On January 18, 2014, government officials from the United States and China released three rescued sea turtles during the opening ceremony of the Sea Turtle Shelter, an educational facility to raise public awareness on environmental conservation issues, while providing a temporary home for rehabilitated sea turtles.<ref name="seaturtleshelter">{{Cite web |url=http://en.visithainan.gov.cn/EN/hotelview_2597.htm |title=SEA TURTLE SHELTER OPENING CEREMONY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, SANYA - Hotel News and Events--Website of Hainan International Tourism Island |access-date=2014-04-08 |archive-date=2014-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408225941/http://en.visithainan.gov.cn/EN/hotelview_2597.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The event fostered a peaceful platform to improve China–United States relations by focusing on the shared global mission of saving sea turtles from extinction.<ref name="usofficials">{{cite web|url=http://www.chattanoogan.com/2014/1/24/268086/U.S.-Officials-Release-Sea-Turtles-In.aspx|title=U.S. Officials Release Sea Turtles In China|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="usofficialsreptile">{{cite web|url=http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Information-News/US-and-China-Release-Sea-Turtles-into-Disputed-South-China-Sea/|title=U.S. and China Release Sea Turtles into Disputed South China Sea|website=www.reptilesmagazine.com|date=28 January 2014}}</ref> As U.S. Consul General Jennifer Galt said, “Our governments must continue to work together to develop policy and programs that protect our most precious resources, businesses must play an active role in responsible development, and groups like Sea Turtles 911 must continue to fight for protection of local resources like sea turtles through education and outreach.”<ref name="uscggalt">{{cite web |url=http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/speech-at-seaturtles911-event.html |title=Remarks by the Consul General | Embassy of the United States |website=guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408224604/http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/speech-at-seaturtles911-event.html |archive-date=8 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On June 16, 2014, NBA player Yao Ming and his family joined Sea Turtles 911 to release rescued sea turtles back to nature.<ref>{{cite web|title = Yao Ming assists Sea Turtles 911|url = http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/summerfest/slideshow/Yao-Ming-assists-Sea-Turtles-911-87966.php|website = SFGate|date = 16 June 2014|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref> "I think it’s very important to raise awareness in our country about protecting wild animals and passing it on to our next generation like my daughter," said Yao Ming.<ref>{{cite web|title = Former basketball star Yao Ming calls for protection of sea turtles|url = https://www.scmp.com/news/china-insider/article/1534600/former-basketball-star-yao-ming-calls-protection-sea-turtles|website = South China Morning Post|date = 17 June 2014|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = NBA Star Yao Ming Saves Endangered Sea Turtles|url = https://www.looktothestars.org/news/12172-nba-star-yao-ming-saves-endangered-sea-turtles|website = Look to the Stars|date = 17 June 2014|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Former NBA Star Yao Ming Saves Sea Turtles|url = http://www.ecorazzi.com/2014/06/18/former-nba-star-yao-ming-saves-sea-turtles/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140620142716/http://www.ecorazzi.com/2014/06/18/former-nba-star-yao-ming-saves-sea-turtles/|url-status = usurped|archive-date = June 20, 2014|website = Ecorazzi|date = 2014-06-18|accessdate = 2015-10-16|first = Maria|last = Mooney}}</ref><ref name=cnn />
On October 30, 2014, during the Mission Hills golf tournament, Sea Turtles 911 presented NBA superstar Yao Ming with the World Sea Turtle Conservation Award.<ref>{{cite web|title = Indian Ocean - South-East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding|url = http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=4135|website = www.ioseaturtles.org|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref> Yao Ming continued to raise awareness for marine turtle protection, saying, "Sea turtles have an important role in the balance of our ocean's ecosystem."<ref>{{cite web|title = Yao Ming Tees Off With Marine Turtle Conservation Message|url = https://www.looktothestars.org/news/12806-yao-ming-tees-off-with-marine-turtle-conservation-message|website = Look to the Stars|date = 30 October 2014|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:US Ambassador Max Baucus and Sea Turtles 911 Frederick Yeh release rescued turtle.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Ambassador to China and former U.S. Senator Max Baucus supports Sea Turtles 911 in the release of rescued turtles into the South China Sea.]] -->
On June 8, 2015, five (5) rescued sea turtles were released from different beaches around Hainan island to maximize conservation awareness for World Oceans Day as recognized by the United Nations.<ref>{{cite web|title = World Oceans Day - 8 June|url = https://www.un.org/en/events/oceansday/|website = www.un.org|accessdate = 2015-10-16|language = EN}}</ref>
On June 23, 2015, during the U.S.–China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the United States State Department and the National Development and Reform Commission agreed "for the first time, to tackle marine species, agreeing to collaborate in stemming the illegal trade in totoaba and sea turtles, share public education best practices, and work jointly on enforcement."<ref>{{cite web|title = United States and China Highlight Cooperation on Combating Wildlife Trafficking at the 7th U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue|url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/06/244206.htm|website = U.S. Department of State|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue Outcomes of the Strategic Track|url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/06/244205.htm|website = U.S. Department of State|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = The United States and China: Protecting and Conserving the Ocean|url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/06/244191.htm|website = U.S. Department of State|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref> To move forward with this initiative, the United States and China announced their official support for Sea Turtles 911 and Hainan Normal University to "track sea turtle migration, help restore habitats, and foster community involvement in sea turtle protection,"<ref>{{cite web|title = U.S.-China EcoPartnerships Program|url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/06/244111.htm|website = U.S. Department of State|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref> as part of the U.S.-China EcoPartnerships.<ref>{{cite web|title = US, China Broaden Collaboration on Climate Issues|url = https://www.voanews.com/a/us-china-broaden-collaboration-on-climate-issues/2834952.html|website = VOA|access-date = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = China-U.S. dialogue leads up to September summit|url = http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/06/23/China-US-dialogue-leads-up-to-September-summit/6511435082453/|website = UPI|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = China, US launch new partnership programs to tackle environmental issues - China.org.cn|url = http://www.china.org.cn/business/2015-06/24/content_35891408.htm|website = www.china.org.cn|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = U.S.-China EcoPartnerships Program (US Department of State)|url = http://article.wn.com/view/2015/06/24/USChina_EcoPartnerships_Program_US_Department_of_State/|website = World News|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = China, U.S. launch new partnership programs to tackle environmental issues - Xinhua {{!}} English.news.cn|url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-06/24/c_134350052.htm|website = news.xinhuanet.com|accessdate = 2015-10-16}}{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://revitalizationnews.com/article/us-china-partnership-funds-program-rescue-restore-sea-turtles-hainan-island/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001141/https://revitalizationnews.com/article/us-china-partnership-funds-program-rescue-restore-sea-turtles-hainan-island/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 12, 2018|title=US-China partnership funds the rescue and restoration of sea turtles on Hainan Island|author=|date=|website=revitalizationnews.com|accessdate=21 September 2018}}</ref>
On January 15, 2016, United States Ambassador to China and former U.S. Senator Max Baucus supported sea turtle conservation in South China's Hainan province with Sea Turtles 911.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2016-02/03/content_23373150.htm|title=US ambassador sends New Year greetings in video-Americas-chinadaily.com.cn|website=usa.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref> Baucus released two satellite tagged turtles named Harvard and Yale into the South China Sea for conservation purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yalealumnimagazine.com/articles/4282-shell-game|title=Shell game|publisher=}}</ref> According to Founder Frederick Yeh, the U.S. Ambassador's charitable act was recognized as symbolic because "Sea turtles are charismatic, migratory animals that serve as natural ambassadors of the ocean; as communities and countries work together to preserve this flagship species for future generations, our shared mission to save sea turtles nurtures a peaceful platform of common grounds to improve community and international relations."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ecopartnerships.lbl.gov/news/sea-turtles-911-and|title=Sea Turtles 911 and U.S. Ambassador Release Endangered Sea Turtles in the South China Sea - EcoPartnerships|website=ecopartnerships.lbl.gov|access-date=2016-08-14|archive-date=2016-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821075332/https://ecopartnerships.lbl.gov/news/sea-turtles-911-and|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== See also == * Animal welfare in China
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/FSVRg3zIOAY/ CCTV News Segment]
Category:Turtle conservation organizations Category:Animal welfare organizations based in China