GREEN SEA TURTLE

The Green sea turtle is a sight to behold, with its smooth, heart-shaped shell, known as a carapace, which can grow up to 1.5 metres in length, it is one of the largest species of sea turtles. Despite its name, the turtle’s shell isn’t actually green; it’s usually a blend of olive and brown hues, patterned with swirls that resemble the ocean’s own currents. The ‘green’ in its name comes from the colour of its fat, which is tinted by its diet. Its limbs are flipper-like, perfectly adapted for graceful swimming, and its head is relatively small with a beak-like mouth. This marine marvel is a captivating creature, both for its beauty and its ecological significance.

Green sea turtles are truly global travellers, found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They have an incredible migratory instinct, using the Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate across oceans. In Australia, they’re commonly seen along the Great Barrier Reef and in the waters off Western Australia. These turtles favour coastal areas, especially where seagrass beds and coral reefs abound, providing both food and shelter.

The life cycle of a Green sea turtle is a remarkable journey. Females return to the very beaches where they were born, often travelling thousands of kilometres to do so. Nesting occurs every two to five years, where the female turtle comes ashore at night, digs a nest in the sand, and lays around 100 to 200 eggs. The temperature of the sand where the eggs are incubated determines the sex of the hatchlings – warmer sands tend to produce more females. After about two months, the eggs hatch, and the tiny hatchlings make a perilous dash to the sea, guided by the moonlight reflecting on the water. 

Green sea turtles are primarily herbivores. As juveniles, they might nibble on jellyfish and small invertebrates, but as they mature, their diet consists largely of seagrasses and algae. This diet not only nourishes them but also helps maintain healthy seagrass beds, which are crucial for the marine ecosystem.

These turtles can live a long life, often reaching 60 to 80 years, though some have been known to surpass a century. Their longevity is a testament to their resilience, yet they face numerous threats that can cut their lives short.

While green sea turtles are generally silent, they are known to make low-frequency sounds, especially during interactions with other turtles or when stressed. These sounds are not typically audible to humans but play a role in their underwater communication.

Sadly, green sea turtles are classified as endangered, facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Conservation efforts are critical, focusing on protecting nesting sites, reducing bycatch in fisheries, and safeguarding their feeding grounds.

In the grand theatre of the ocean, the green sea turtle plays a vital role, not just as a species but as a guardian of marine health. Through understanding and protecting these majestic creatures, we ensure the continued vibrancy of our oceans for generations to come.