The World Conservation Union classifies the hawksbill as a critically endangered sea turtle. Throughout the world, hawksbill sea turtles are killed by humans, though it is illegal to hunt them in many countries. Hawksbill sea turtles are eaten as a delicacy in some parts of the world. As far back as the fifth century BC, sea turtles, including the hawksbill, were eaten as delicacies in China. In many cultures, their shells are also used for decoration. Since Egyptian times, these turtles have been harvested for their beautiful shell. The material known as tortoiseshell is normally derived from the hawksbill. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have classified hawksbills as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. Extensive recovery plans have been implemented by the Federal and state governments. One of the most extensive conservation plans in the nation, has been enacted in Florida, my home state. Watching these majestic sea turtles gliding through the gulf waters is indeed a gift. Digitally hand-painted in the style of ultra- realism with elements derived from a base reference image in the public domain. Copyright Matthew Schwartz 2014 All images and personal poetry/prose are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, downloaded, distributed, transmitted, copied, reproduced in derivative works, displayed, published or broadcast by any means or in any form without prior written consent from the artist. My copyright does not imply rights to an underlying public domain image and I make no such claim. Copyright on works derived from or based on images in the public domain applies only to the subsequent manipulation or painting resulting from my changes. The original image remains in the public domain and such images are used in accordance with international law.