Green Sea Turtles

VIMS marine technician Alison Smith works with graduate student Diane Tulipani to measure a juvenile green sea turtle.

This juvenile green sea turtle measured 32 cm long (12.6 inches) and weighed 9 pounds. Several large barnacles are growing on its shell.

Serrated Beak A serrated upper beak, used in eating sea grass, is a telling characteristic of green sea turtles.

Serrated Beak The turtle's lower shell, or plastron, comprises a series of fused skeletal plates. The length of the tail is used to sex green sea turtles, but this method is difficult with juveniles.

Serrated Beak Researchers handle turtles gently and cover them with wet towels to keep the creatures cool and comfortable.

Serrated Beak VIMS researcher Alison Smith prepares to release a tagged green sea turtle into the shallow waters of the York River.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are endangered in U.S. waters. Several juvenile turtles are seen in Chesapeake Bay during the late summer and early fall., their average length is ~ 30 cm (12 in). Adult green sea turtles feed on sea grasses and algae while juveniles are omnivorous, feeding on both aquatic plants and animals. These turtles are valued for their eggs and meat; they are named from the color of their fat.

Status

Listed as "Endangered" in U.S.; globally "Threatened"

Size

Adults reach 300 - 400+ lbs, 36 - 43 inches

Sexual Maturity

Possibly 35-50+ years (Hawaiian Archipelago stock) (Balazs & Chaloupka 2004)

Nesting Habitat

Tropical/subtropical beaches; open beach

Juvenile Habitat

Florida Bay, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, South/Central America

Diet

Vegetarians, feed on sea grasses, algae; juveniles are omnivorous (eat both plants & animals)