Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are one of the most iconic and ancient creatures on Earth. These gentle reptiles have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years, predating even some dinosaurs. With their distinctive heart-shaped shells and herbivorous diet, green sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
However, despite their long evolutionary history, they are now facing the growing threat of extinction. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists green sea turtles as endangered, meaning they are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. But what exactly is causing their decline?
1. Habitat Loss and Coastal Development
One of the most significant threats to green sea turtles is the loss of nesting habitats due to coastal development.
Beaches that were once pristine and undisturbed are increasingly being transformed into resorts, marinas, and urban infrastructure. Artificial lighting, noise pollution, and human activity can disorient nesting females and hatchlings, preventing successful reproduction.
Hatchlings rely on natural light reflecting off the ocean to find their way to the sea after emerging from nests. Artificial lights from nearby buildings or roads can lead them in the wrong direction, often resulting in death from dehydration, predation, or vehicle strikes.
2. Climate Change
Climate change is another major factor threatening green sea turtles. Rising global temperatures have a direct impact on turtle reproduction, as the temperature of the sand where eggs are incubated determines the sex of hatchlings.
Warmer sands tend to produce more females, while cooler sands produce males. As temperatures rise, turtle populations could face a dangerous gender imbalance, threatening future breeding success. (See Also: How Do Turtles Communicate)
Additionally, sea-level rise and increased storm activity caused by climate change contribute to beach erosion and flooding of nesting sites. This not only reduces the number of suitable nesting areas but also destroys existing nests and eggs.
3. Pollution
Pollution, especially plastic pollution, is a significant threat to green sea turtles. These animals often mistake plastic debris for food, such as jellyfish.
Ingesting plastic can cause internal injuries, intestinal blockages, and even death. Moreover, plastics and other pollutants can accumulate in the turtles’ tissues, leading to long-term health problems.
Oil spills, chemical runoff from agriculture, and waste from industrial activities also degrade the quality of the turtles’ marine environment. These pollutants can damage seagrass beds and coral reefs where green sea turtles feed, disrupting their food supply and habitat.
4. Bycatch and Fishing Practices
Green sea turtles are frequently caught unintentionally in fishing gear, a phenomenon known as bycatch. Large-scale commercial fisheries use equipment such as trawl nets, longlines, and gillnets, which can ensnare turtles. Once entangled, turtles may drown because they are unable to reach the surface to breathe.
Although some fisheries have adopted Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to reduce bycatch, not all comply with regulations, especially in international waters where enforcement is weak. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing further exacerbates the problem.
5. Illegal Trade and Poaching
Despite legal protections under international agreements such as CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), illegal poaching and trade in turtle products persist.
Green sea turtles are hunted for their meat, eggs, and shells. In some cultures, turtle meat is considered a delicacy, and their eggs are believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Poachers often raid nesting sites to collect eggs, and adult turtles are sometimes killed for their shells, which are used to make jewelry and ornaments. This illegal activity continues to put pressure on already declining populations.
6. Marine Debris and Boat Strikes
In addition to plastic pollution, other forms of marine debris such as discarded fishing gear, ropes, and nets pose a physical danger to green sea turtles. Entanglement can cause drowning or severe injuries that affect mobility and feeding.
Boat strikes are also a growing concern, especially in areas with heavy marine traffic. Turtles often surface for air and can be hit by fast-moving boats, resulting in injuries or fatalities. As human recreational and commercial activities increase in coastal areas, such incidents are becoming more frequent.
Conclusion
The endangerment of green sea turtles is not caused by a single factor but is the result of a complex web of human-caused threats. From habitat destruction and climate change to pollution and illegal hunting, these ancient mariners are facing modern dangers that threaten their survival.
Efforts to protect green sea turtles must be multifaceted and global. Conservation measures such as protecting nesting sites, regulating fisheries, reducing plastic use, and enforcing anti-poaching laws are critical. Public education and community engagement also play a vital role in safeguarding these creatures for future generations.
Ultimately, saving green sea turtles is about more than preserving a single species—it is about maintaining the health of our oceans and the balance of marine ecosystems. With collective action and sustained conservation efforts, there is hope that green sea turtles will continue to glide through our oceans for millions of years to come.