Green turtles make a monumental comeback

AccuWeather

Decades of conservation and beach patrols have boosted green turtle numbers-but recovery is uneven and ongoing threats from storms, erosion, warming sands, poaching and plastics mean sustained protections remain essential.

Transcript

00:01The green sea turtle is one of the most iconic marine species in the world.

00:06After decades of conservation, global numbers are up nearly 30% since the 1970s,

00:12with more than 10 million hatchlings reaching the ocean despite hurricanes, beach erosion, and a warming climate.

00:19A green or a loggerhead sea turtle will take 25 years or more to mature

00:23and actually be able to be reproductive members and contributors to their own species.

00:27So when we see these animals that have been on the threatened and endangered list,

00:32it's a big celebration for us as scientists who've been working with these animals.

00:37But the International Union for Conservation of Nature cautions progress is uneven.

00:43Many regional populations remain vulnerable from poaching and illegal trade

00:47to climate-driven impacts like warming sands, stronger storms, and sea level rise.

00:53They've got to avoid getting hit by boats. They've got to avoid pollution.

00:56They've got to avoid consuming plastics and other things.

01:00They've got to be able to survive to be able to then reproduce

01:04and replace themselves in the full cycle of life.

01:08Now, one of the reasons why scientists say the green turtles are doing so well

01:12are areas like this, specific parts of the beach that are roped off

01:16so the mothers can get onto the beach, lay their eggs, and get safely back out to sea.

01:21The problem is, folks have to continue to stay away from these areas, especially during nesting season.

01:26Here we go.

01:27It's a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate that they have been downlisted,

01:33but our work's not done.

01:35It's not like, ooh, we finished the marathon.

01:38No, we just began.

01:39Now we have to continue to protect them.

01:41For AccuWeather, I'm Leslie Hudson reporting.

01:43Now we have to continue to clean.

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