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    6. POACHING SEA TURTLES FOR MEAT, EGGS AND SHELLS

    There are seven species of sea turtle on Earth, and all of them face being poached for their meat, eggs, shells and other parts. Popular as a food source, sea turtle meat and eggs are considered delicacies in many places throughout the world. Sea turtle shells and other parts are also used decoratively, whether in ceremonial rituals or simply to make jewelry and other trinkets. In traditional Chinese medicine, ground sea turtle bones are used for longevity. And in some places, simply displaying a taxidermied sea turtle in the home is a status symbol. The illegal sea turtle trade continues almost unchecked because existing laws are difficult to enforce. (SEE Turtles)