In many countries souvenirs made from sea turtle shells and skins are readily available for tourists to buy. ‘Tortoise shell’ or ‘Bekko’ items are traditional and highly prized in Japan, and complete sea turtle shells and stuffed sea turtles are commonly found on market stalls and in shops in many popular tourist destinations.

Many tourists are unaware of the illegality of buying these souvenirs and taking them back to their own countries. The sale and shipment of products made from sea turtles is restricted under CITES and it is now illegal to possess these items in many countries.