The conservation status of the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) has seen a dramatic improvement, standing as compelling evidence that targeted conservation efforts yield significant results. Previously categorized as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this species has now been reclassified to the less critical category of "Least Concern." This pivotal shift reflects an impressive recovery in the global population, which is estimated to have grown by approximately 28% since the 1970s.
This remarkable achievement is the direct outcome of systematic, worldwide initiatives. Key actions included safeguarding essential nesting beaches, often through increased patrols and community involvement, and implementing fishing practices designed to minimize accidental bycatch. This focus on reducing mortality rates caused by entanglement in fishing gear has been critical. Green Sea Turtles are unique among marine turtles as they maintain a predominantly herbivorous diet, consuming sea grasses. By grazing on these underwater meadows, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem, acting as vital lawnmowers that indirectly support the habitats of numerous fish species and other fauna.
Historically, intense exploitation of the Green Sea Turtle's meat and eggs led to a severe decline in their numbers. The implementation of strict hunting bans across most nations proved to be a critical turning point. A powerful illustration of this recovery can be found in the Seychelles Islands, where protective measures resulted in the number of nesting females soaring from just 500–600 during the 1960s to a robust 5,000 by 2011. This spectacular rebound demonstrates unequivocally how responsible, decisive action can elicit an immediate and positive response from nature itself.
Despite celebrating this major breakthrough, conservation experts caution strongly against complacency. Significant threats persist, demanding continued commitment to biodiversity preservation globally. Challenges such as habitat destruction driven by rapid coastal development and urbanization, coupled with illegal poaching and trade, remain tangible risks that require robust enforcement. Furthermore, climate change poses a growing, existential threat, particularly impacting nesting sites through rising sea levels and altered sand temperatures, which affect hatchling sex ratios. This milestone should not be viewed as the finish line, but rather as confirmation that focused, collective intent possesses the power to alter the trajectory of even the most vulnerable life forms.
Green Sea Turtles are magnificent creatures, with adults typically weighing between 70 and 200 kg. Their scientific classification includes subspecies such as Chelonia mydas mydas and Chelonia mydas agassizii. Although their shells range in color from olive-green to dark brown, the species derives its common name not from its carapace, but from the greenish hue of its body fat. The story of the Green Sea Turtle serves as a potent reminder that sustainability is achievable when attention is directed toward addressing the root causes of ecological imbalance.