Green Sea Turtle, Florida

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The Green Sea Turtle, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas, is a species of sea turtle that can be found in the waters of Florida. They are one of the largest species of sea turtle, with adults typically weighing between 200-500 pounds and measuring around 3-4 feet in length. Green Sea Turtles are named for the green color of their fat, which comes from their herbivorous diet of sea grasses and algae. They have a unique and striking appearance, with a smooth, teardrop-shaped shell and small head with a serrated jaw for cutting vegetation. In Florida, Green Sea Turtles can be found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, as well as on nesting beaches. They are known for their long migrations, with females traveling hundreds of miles to return to the same nesting beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, Green Sea Turtles are listed as an endangered species, primarily due to habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their nesting beaches, reduce pollution in their habitats, and promote sustainable fishing practices to help increase their populations.