How can you help prevent sea turtles from becoming extinct?

                 The first time I ever encountered a sea turtle in person was late in the evening taking a moonlight stroll on the beach with my little sister. As we were walking, she jumped and stopped dead in her tracks then grabbed my arm. I continued to walk pulling her with me and tried to get a better view without light. As I got closer I noticed the shimmer of the shell by the moonlight and whispered to her, "It's a sea turtle". We both dropped our jaws and stopped to marvel at this ancient mariner while she slowly made her decent into the ocean. I told her there's gotta be a nest somewhere, but we've gotta let someone know.
     I don't think I have ever experienced anything quite like it until I witnessed a mother laying her eggs on the beach. There is absolutely nothing quite like it! The stillness of the night as the waves crash along the beach and the breathing and panting of a mother hard at work as she digs her nest and lays her eggs. The smell I will also never forget! I'm sure she was a loggerhead as she was massive in size, but being at night I couldn't really tell, although I'm quite sure as they are the main turtles to nest along the coast of North Carolina.
     There are many ways for the public to get involved in turtle conservation, and if anything just by being responsible and changing a few habits can even make all the difference in the world.

•     For example tons of water bottles are found on the beach from people who leave behind their trash. Not to mention plastic bags, cans and even bottles. Although there are signs posted on the beaches about littering, and there are in fact many trash receptacles around the beach, there are still some people who leave behind their junk. If you carry a jug of water and water bottles that would save you not only money, but it would also save the beaches and our friends in the ocean as well. 
•     Also, while at the beach, be sure not to leave anything behind such as toys, clothing, or anything that can block the passing of a hatchling to the ocean. You could also fill any holes that you might have dug up while playing with your little ones as this can also be harmful to sea turtles where the hatchling or the mother might fall in before she builds her nest, or the hatchling doesn't reach the ocean. 
•      If renting a condo or beach house, keeping all outside lights off or having the lights face downwards will also help to not hinder the mother in coming ashore as he might return to the ocean and drop the eggs into the ocean instead. The artificial light can also keep the hatchlings from going in the direction of the ocean as they are guided by the light in reaching their destination. Without the direct light of the moon, they will follow any other brighter light and keep them from reaching the ocean.
•      In the event that you see a dead sea turtle you should report that to any conservation group around, or call the local coast guard about what you've seen. Most times they are close by or occasionally pass by, but you can call the local coast guard, and they will generally take care of it. 
•      When riding in a boat, jet ski, or any other watercraft, be sure to take precaution so as to not bump into any marine life, particularly sea turtles. 
• If you are a fisherman or doing some fishing take caution and check your nets more frequently to prevent from catching something other than fish, and if a sea turtle is caught, still let the marine fisheries know as although it might not seem like it's hurt, they still might end up having complications later on.

Some other ways of prevention are:

1. Use red filters on flashlights when walking the beach
2. Do not disturb nesting sea turtles
3. Keep dogs on a leash
4. Keep up to date on local conservation efforts so that you are more aware of what is going on, and please join one you like in particular
5. If able to donate to an organization of sea turtle conservation, even the most minimal will help
6. If possible found out how to volunteer and spend some time with sea turtles, it the most amazing feeling