Hawksbill sea turtle swims near Akajima, Okinawa, Japan

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Hawksbill sea turtle swimming, Okinawa, Japan

The hawksbill sea turtle is a magnificent marine creature known for its distinctively shaped beak and stunning patterned shell. Found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, these endangered turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. With their sharp, curved beaks, hawksbill turtles feed primarily on sponges, helping to control their population and promote coral growth. These graceful swimmers undertake long migrations and are known for their nesting behaviour on sandy beaches. The hawksbill sea turtle serves as a symbol of beauty, resilience and the importance of ocean conservation.