Why Volunteers Collected a Half-Ton of Fishing Line

The Gulf of Mexico’s waters are filled with marine life, from endangered sea turtles to majestic whales, but it’s no secret that threats like pollution and habitat destruction loom large. Among the champions fighting to preserve this delicate ecosystem is the Turtle Island Restoration Network in Galveston, Texas, a nonprofit conservation organization with roots that stretch back to 1989.

The Founding of the Turtle Island Restoration Network

The Turtle Island Restoration Network was born out of a deeply personal experience. Todd Steiner, the organization’s founder and then executive director, was traveling with his family in Nicaragua when he witnessed biologists working under extremely challenging conditions. Living in thatched huts and lacking basic equipment, these scientists were dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Inspired to help, Steiner returned home and began raising funds by selling water and soft drinks. Initially named the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, the organization focused on ocean conservation, with an emphasis on sea turtles. Over time, its mission has expanded to include broader ocean health.

“We began by just working ocean conservation with a specific focus on sea turtles, and it remained that way for many years,” explains Joanie Steinhaus, the Ocean Program Director for Turtle Island. “Of course, as you can imagine, when you begin to look at the health of the ocean and the potential impact by people … our work has expanded since then.”

Challenges in the Gulf

The Gulf of Mexico faces numerous challenges. Industrial pollutants from a 33-state watershed impact water quality. Counter-clockwise currents distribute these pollutants, creating environmental stress for marine ecosystems. Among those affected are five of the seven sea turtle species and the recently discovered Rice’s whale. With only about 50 Rice’s whales remaining, their critical habitat in the Gulf remains unprotected, raising concerns about their survival.

“Scientists are saying that if a female is killed by non-natural sources, such as a vessel strike, this population could go extinct,” Joanie emphasizes.

Adding to these threats are invasive species attracted to decommissioned oil rigs left in the Gulf under Texas’s Rigs-to-Reefs program. While initially benefiting marine life, these structures eventually degrade, harming the ecosystem.

The Kemp’s Ridley: Texas’s State Turtle

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the smallest and most endangered sea turtle, has a particularly compelling story. Named after a Floridian who recognized its uniqueness in the mid-20th century, the species faced near extinction by 1985, with only 350 documented nesting turtles. Overharvesting for meat, leather, and eggs devastated their populations. A collaborative effort between the U.S. and Mexican governments saved the species, but challenges persist. Critical habitat designation, essential for their recovery, remains unfulfilled despite petitions and legal efforts.

“Multiple sea turtles nest at the same time, and there are hundreds,” says Joanie. “They have a nesting season. It’s probably something to do with water temperature — different changes in the atmosphere that trigger them. Because when we see it, it happens along the entire Texas coast. We’ll have nests all the way from the Mexican border to Galveston and Bolivar.”

This makes for a particularly precarious time of year for sea turtles, and Turtle Island’s team kicks their advocacy into high gear. “We host a Hatchling Hustle every March. It’s a 5K and a family one-mile walk to raise awareness of the nesting season that normally starts in April and can run through mid-July,” Joanie explains. “We also have an annual gala fundraiser called the Art of Saving Sea Turtles, and that’s normally in the September timeframe.”

Turtle Island’s Conservation and Education Programs

Turtle Island’s other initiatives span conservation, education, and community engagement. In Galveston, programs address marine debris, including cigarette butts and fishing lines. Collaborating with the Surfrider Foundation, volunteers have collected over 285,000 cigarette butts and 1,000 pounds of fishing line. These small items pose significant risks to marine and bird life, and removing them reduces threats to both wildlife and humans. “It’s a horrible thing when families are out enjoying a day at the beach, and someone steps on a fishing line hook that’s been discarded!” Joanie says.

Plastic pollution is another critical focus. Turtle Island’s team has collected and analyzed sand and water samples for microplastics over the past seven years, finding contamination in every sample.

To tackle the issue, Turtle Island promotes campaigns like “Bring the Bag” for reusable bags and “Final Straw” for limiting single-use straws. These efforts encourage community members to reduce plastic use and its harmful impacts.

Public education is central to Turtle Island’s mission. The organization works with local schools and college interns, offering hands-on experiences like beach cleanups and nurdle patrols. Corporate groups participate in cleanup events, learning about marine debris and its impacts.

Art also plays a key role in raising awareness for both locals and visitors. The adorably named “Turtles About Town” project, for example, features 62 fiberglass turtles decorated by local artists, each highlighting aspects of Galveston’s marine life. A bronze Kemp’s ridley statue and a mural depicting the Gulf’s five sea turtle species also stand locally as symbols of advocacy and education.

What Can You Do to Help?

Joanie believes in empowering individuals to make a difference. “I don’t believe in telling people what they should do,” she says. “I believe in helping people understand what they could do.” 

Simple actions like picking up trash, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in local cleanups can have a significant impact. Even if you live in an inland community, you can contribute by addressing pollution in lakes and rivers, which eventually affects the ocean.

Additionally, donations and volunteer support are vital for Turtle Island’s work. The organization is currently raising funds to renovate its education center in Galveston, aiming to create a community hub for Gulf protection.

The Legacy of Turtle Island

Despite its small size, Turtle Island Restoration Network has achieved remarkable results through grassroots efforts, partnerships, and public education. As Joanie aptly states, “We’re a small team, but we’re powerful.” Their work demonstrates that collective action, no matter how modest, can make a difference in preserving the ocean and its inhabitants for generations to come.