The Sea Turtle Success Story
Three species, Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks, are responsible for laying hundreds of thousands of nests along Florida’s beaches each year, providing essential nutrients to the beaches we enjoy. They provide a home on their shells to thousands of small plants and animals. And, they keep marine ecosystems balanced by playing unique roles within the food chain that support the health of our oceans, estuaries, and reefs. However, our choices as individuals and as a society to consume sea turtles have had a detrimental impact on these critical animals, driving them to the endangered species list. Although consumption of sea turtle eggs and meat has ceased in the USA, turtles still must overcome many modern threats like light pollution, fisheries interactions, marine debris, and coastal development in order to recover.
Fortunately, we can all play a role in the conservation success story of sea turtles and make a positive impact on our environment through the decisions we make every day, whether as individuals, groups, or businesses. Simply picking up trash, choosing to recycle in our own household, vacationing with a purpose, joining an educational experience to learn more, or making a donation are all ways we can help write a positive ending for this story. To make getting involved easy for you, Coastal Connections offers a variety of opportunities for you to be a part of the recovery efforts for sea turtles.
Leatherback
- Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
- Protection Status: Endangered (U.S. status); Vulnerable (International)
- Size: 660-1,100lbs (300-500 kg);
4-6ft (130 – 183 cm) - Range: Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (largest range north to south)
- Food Choice: Jellyfish and other gelatinous animals
- Fun Fact: The largest leatherback sea turtle ever found was over 2,000 lbs and was almost 10ft from tip to the beak
Loggerhead
- Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
- Protection Status: Threatened (U.S. status); Vulnerable (International)
- Size: 155 – 375lbs (70-170 kg);
2.5 – 3.5ft (80 – 110 cm) - Range: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
- Food Choice: Shellfish & crustaceans
- Fun Fact: Florida’s most common nesting species
Green Turtle
- Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
- Protection Status: Threatened (U.S. status); Endangered (International)
- Size: 240 – 420lbs (110 – 190kg);
3 – 4ft (83 – 114cm) - Range: Found in all temperate and tropical waters throughout the world
- Food Choice: Sea grass & algae
- Fun Fact: The only sea turtle to become a strict herbivore when it reaches adulthood
