A very rare hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) appears on the surface to take oxygen in the sea waters of Batam, which is very uncommon on Batam Island, Riau Islands province, Indonesia, on April 1, 2025. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered and difficult to find, so their presence in these waters indicates that the marine ecosystem remains healthy enough to support coral reefs and diverse fish habitats. Despite the heavy maritime traffic and industrial activity in Batam’s busy waterways, sightings like this offer a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, proving that even in highly developed regions, nature can still thrive when given a chance.

The hawksbill turtle’s appearance is particularly remarkable given Batam’s bustling port activities and frequent ship crossings, which often disrupt marine life. These turtles, known for their beautifully patterned shells and vital role in maintaining coral reef health, are rarely seen due to habitat destruction and poaching. Their occasional presence in Batam’s waters suggests that certain areas may still provide sanctuary, possibly due to local conservation measures or the resilience of the species itself. Protecting these remaining habitats is crucial, as the survival of hawksbills not only benefits biodiversity but also signals the overall well-being of the marine environment in an otherwise heavily trafficked region.*