After decades of conservation efforts, green sea turtles are finally bouncing back. Thanks to global protection efforts, the green sea turtle is no longer considered endangered, marking a major milestone for wildlife conservation.

Although it took more than four decades of continuous effort, the green sea turtle population has increased significantly due to several key efforts, including:

-Protecting nesting females and eggs on beaches

-Community programs to reduce unsustainable harvest of turtles and eggs

-Curtailing trade in turtle products

-Implementing turtle excluder devices in fishing nets

-Measures to reduce accidental captures during fishing activities

While this progress is worth celebrating, the conservation efforts must continue.  Green sea turtles are still far from reaching their numbers prior to European colonization and widespread exploitation. Threats that still face, include:

-Harvesting of turtle eggs

-Coastal and marine development changing and damaging critical habitats

-And Climate change impacts on nesting beaches

With continued conservation efforts, green sea turtles can remain off the endangered species list. Their recovery also shows that long-term actions can make a difference, not only for sea turtles, but for other endangered animals around the world.