The Maldives has relied on its marine resources for about everything. Trade in the Maldives is centered on what they can harvest from the waters that surround them, over the past decades one commodity has seen an increase in demand, turtle shells are widely traded as ornamental pieces. During the past year, the Maldives government has seen a decrease of marine turtles in the wide, alarmed by the sudden plunge the government is taking steps to ensure the future of this sea creatures.

There are five species of sea turtles that call the Maldives home they are the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle, leatherback turtle. Out of the five marine turtles, the green and the hawksbill turle are the most common and nest frequently in the Maldives. The leatherback turtle is rarely seen in the Maldives and is not known to nest in its shores. Each species has its own habitat and feeding grounds, coral and sea ground degredation, oil spills, chemical waste, plastic, highly developed beach front and an increase in water based tourism has damaged or eliminated nesting grounds.

The most important piece of legislation that the government of the Maldives has done to help the plight of the marine turtles is ban catching or killing marine turtles as well as sale, import or export of its by products for ten years. However, the ban does not include harvesting of eggs. The Maldives government has also set up a nationwide campaign to inform the public about the importance of these marine turtles.

Once recommendation is the creation of a turtle sanctuary, up until now the Maldives government has not set up a turtle sanctuary, though nesting grounds have already been identified. It is extremely important for the government to protect these species before they become extinct. The Maldives is taking great steps to ensure that the future of this marine creatures is bright and full of promise.