05/05/2026
The green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. They are unique among sea turtles in that they are primarily herbivores , eating mostly seagrasses and algae, although they may also eat sponges and other invertebrates and discarded fish when available. The name “green turtle” comes from the color of their fat (not their shells), which originally was attributed to their diet; however, other sea turtles have greenish fat as well.
Green turtles are found throughout the world. They nest in over 80 countries and live in the coastal areas of more than 140 countries. Historically, green turtles were exploited for their fat, meat, and eggs, causing global population declines. Many countries, including the United States, prohibit the killing of sea turtles and collection of their eggs. However, in some areas, green turtles are still hunted for their meat or to supply shells to the wildlife trafficking trade, and egg collection for consumption remains a threat to their recovery. Bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing gear, loss of nesting habitat from coastal development, changing environmental conditions (e.g., sea level rise and warming temperatures)e, and vessel strikes are the biggest threats facing green turtles.
