South Florida’s Green Turtles off Endangered List

Lorea Thomson
Posted by Lorea Thomson
Updated on
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Published in Boating

South Florida’s sea turtle organizations have rescued sea turtles that have been accidentally injured or suffering for many years. Four decades ago, biologists thought green sea turtles might go extinct.

Federal wildlife officials have reclassified green turtle species from endangered to threatened. There will not be significant changes in terms of regulations in Florida. Green turtles have been protected under the Endangered Species A since 1978    

Local organizations, such as Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno, is one of Florida’s most unique non-profit cultural destinations focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation, education, research, and rehabilitation.

The Sea Turtle Conservancy is the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. World-renowned sea turtle expert, Dr. Archie Carr, founded it in 1959. The intention of the organization was to save sea turtles from eminent extinction.  The science-based conservation group is headquartered in Florida. It has carried out global programs to conserve and recover sea turtle populations through advocacy, research, education, and protection in their natural habitats.

The South Florida area is the most important nesting area in the United States.  Five species of sea turtles inhabit Florida’s waters over the course of the year.  The Nesting sea turtles include the Loggerhead, green turtle, and leatherback.   Two other species, the hawksbill and the Kemp’s Ridley, frequent the waters but do not nest here.  During the summer months, there are approximately 50,000 sea turtles in Florida.

Federal wildlife officials have reclassified green turtle species from endangered to threatened. There will not be significant changes in terms of regulations in Florida.  Floridians love their sea turtles. Number one rule in conservation is “look but do not touch”, if there is an issue contact wildlife officials.

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