Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
A federally protected marine turtle that grazes Florida seagrass beds and nests on sandy beaches.
Florida’s coastal waters, lagoons, bays, and seagrass meadows provide important developmental and feeding habitat for Green Sea Turtles. Nesting is concentrated on sandy Atlantic beaches, with some nesting on Gulf and Keys beaches.
Boat strikes, fishing gear, plastic debris, coastal lighting, beach obstacles, habitat loss, and disease are major threats. Dark, flat, clean beaches and healthy seagrass beds improve survival at every life stage.
Habitat:
Coastal Waters, Beaches and Dunes, Estuaries and Bays
Area / Range:
South Florida, Florida Keys, Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast
Diet:
Juveniles eat varied animal and plant foods, while larger juveniles and adults in Florida feed mainly on seagrasses and algae.
Behavior:
Strong swimmers that migrate between feeding and nesting areas. Females come ashore at night to dig nests; hatchlings emerge and orient toward the brightest open horizon over the ocean.
Daytime, Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
In-water sightings are possible year-round; nesting activity is primarily at night during Florida’s sea turtle nesting season.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in Florida; protected nationally and by Florida law.
Safety Level:
Moderate
Safety Information:
Never touch, feed, chase, ride, or block a sea turtle. Keep beaches dark, remove furniture, fill holes, watch from a respectful distance, and report injured or stranded turtles to the appropriate wildlife hotline.
Benefits to Property:
Grazing helps maintain productive seagrass meadows that support fisheries, stabilize sediments, and store carbon.
Property Concerns:
Generally none. Beach furniture, holes, bright lights, seawalls, and nighttime activity can obstruct or disorient nesting females and hatchlings.
Fun Fact:
- The species is named for the green color of its body fat, not its shell.
- Adults may travel long distances between feeding and nesting grounds.
- Regular grazing can stimulate healthy seagrass growth.
Wildlife Laws:
Green Sea Turtles, their nests, eggs, and hatchlings are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act and Florida law. Disturbing, handling, possessing, illuminating, or obstructing turtles or nests is prohibited without authorization.
Identification:
Green Sea Turtles have a smooth, oval shell, a small rounded head, and one pair of large scales between the eyes. The shell ranges from olive and brown to gray with radiating patterns; adults differ from Loggerheads by having a shorter snout and typically smooth-edged shell.