Green Turtle

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most prevelant of all sea turtles in Australia. Known for their grace and endurance, these ancient mariners captivate the hearts of many. Australia is also home to some of the world’s most significant nesting sites for Green Turtles, particularly along the Great Barrier Reef, the northern coast of Queensland, and the Coral Sea.

Identification

Green Turtles are easily recognizable by their distinct features. Despite their name, their shells are not green but range from olive to brown with intricate patterns. The “green” in their name actually refers to the greenish color of their body fat, attributed to their herbivorous diet.

Adult Green Turtles have a smooth, heart-shaped carapace (shell) that can grow up to 1.2 meters in length and weigh between 100 to 200 kilograms. Their flippers are well-adapted for swimming, enabling them to glide gracefully through the water. Unlike other sea turtles, Green Turtles have a single pair of prefrontal scales (scales in front of their eyes) rather than two pairs.

Green Turtles can sometimes be confused with Hawksbill turtles. You can however easily tell them appart by comparing their heads and beak. Green turtles have a beak that is short and blunt, well-adapted for grazing on seagrass. Hawksbill turtles have a distinctive sharp, hooked beak resembling that of a bird, ideal for extracting sponges and other invertebrates from crevices in coral reefs

Distribution and Conservation

Green Turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, with Australia being one of the most important habitats. Key areas include the Great Barrier Reef, the Torres Strait, and the Coral Sea. These regions provide rich feeding grounds with ample seagrass beds and algae, the primary diet of adult Green Turtles.

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Despite their widespread distribution, Green Turtles are classified as endangered due to numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and bycatch in fishing gear. Conservation efforts in Australia are robust, involving government agencies, non-profits, and local communities working together to protect nesting sites, reduce bycatch, and rehabilitate injured turtles.

Green Turtles are known for their calm and gentle nature. They spend most of their time grazing on seagrasses and algae in shallow waters, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds. Their grazing helps promote the growth of these underwater meadows, which in turn supports a diverse array of marine life.

Behaviour and Character

These turtles are also highly migratory, traveling thousands of kilometers between feeding grounds and nesting sites. Their navigation skills are remarkable, guided by the Earth’s magnetic fields, a trait shared by many marine turtles.

Encounters

Snorkeling with Green Turtles in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. However, it’s crucial to approach these encounters with respect and care to ensure their well-being and your safety.

Keep Your Distance: Always maintain a respectful distance (at least 3 meters) from the turtles. Avoid touching or chasing them, as this can cause stress and disrupt their natural behavior.

Stay Calm and Move Slowly: Sudden movements can startle the turtles. Move slowly and calmly in the water to observe them without causing disturbance.

Avoid Crowded Areas: If a turtle appears stressed or starts swimming away, give it space and try to find a less crowded spot.

From Reefranger

It is always a joy to enounter a turtle when swimming, snorkelling or diving. They are one of the most interesting creatures you can easily encounter without the need for scuba gear. I have encountered Turtles personally while snorkelling at Shelly Beach and Gordons Bay. This is also has downside, as I have seen people chasing turtles or trying to touch them on many occasions. Do respect their space when you encounter them. We want to be able to continue enjoying their prescence!