The Great Barrier Reef — Green Sea Turtles
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most famous natural wonders of the world. It is the largest coral reef system on the planet and is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Here is one nifty fact about the Great Barrier Reef that you may not know:
The Great Barrier Reef is home to a unique species of turtle called the Green Sea Turtle.
The Green Sea Turtle, or Chelonia mydas, is one of seven species of sea turtles found around the world. It is named for the green color of its body fat, which comes from the algae and seagrass it eats. Green Sea Turtles can be found in the coastal waters of more than 140 countries, but the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most important nesting sites for this species.
Green Sea Turtles are an important part of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. They help to maintain the balance of the reef by grazing on seagrass beds, which prevents the grass from becoming overgrown and allows other species to thrive. They also help to distribute nutrients throughout the reef when they excrete waste.
Female Green Sea Turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs. They typically nest between November and January, digging a hole in the sand and laying around 100 eggs, which they cover with sand before returning to the ocean. The eggs hatch after around two months, and the baby turtles make their way to the ocean. Unfortunately, only around one in 1,000 baby turtles survive to adulthood.
Green Sea Turtles can live for up to 80 years and can grow to be more than three feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds. They are protected under Australian law, and it is illegal to harm or harass them. However, they still face many threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets.
One of the most significant threats to Green Sea Turtles is climate change. Rising temperatures can affect the sex of hatchlings, with more females being born when the sand temperature is higher. This can lead to a skewed sex ratio, which could have a significant impact on the population in the future.
Despite the challenges they face, Green Sea Turtles continue to be an important and iconic part of the Great Barrier Reef. Their presence on the reef is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that can be found in this unique ecosystem.
Here is a song I wrote about The Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy!
Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D.