Galapagos Islands News

The Galapagos Park service and the Charles Darwin Foundation have decided to resume monitoring of Chelonia Mydas, or the Green Sea Turtle. The goal is to get more information about the nesting habits of these giant sea turtles, a favorite among visitors to the Galapagos Islands. Although there are several species of Giant Sea Turtles, only the Green Sea Turtle nests in the Galapagos Islands. Fortunate snorkelers can see them at several different Galapagos snorkeling sites.

Not only do Green Sea Turtles nest in Galapagos, but the islands are considered one of the most important places that they use. All around the world, efforts are being made to help this species. In Galapagos, it is the park service that is taking the lead in conservation efforts. The study hopes to see how many female turtles lay their eggs in the main nesting areas in Galapagos, how successful the process is and the population numbers in general. Also, human actions and their effects will be considered in this study.

Endangered by Man

Although Green Sea Turtles are fairly common worldwide, they are considered endangered, mostly due to the effect of human actions on turtle populations. In many areas of the world, catching the turtles for food or eating their eggs is still a common practice. Certain fishing nets can entangle turtles and drown them. Pollution has had a huge negative impact on turtle populations, and continued beachfront development around the world destroys the sand dunes where they lay their eggs. In Galapagos, introduced species such as rats, dogs and cats can also dig up and eat turtle eggs. 

Conservation Around the World

In other areas of the world, conservationists are doing their part to save the Green Sea Turtle. In Bali, the turtles are a traditional food source and are even used in religious rituals. For years, the local population was in steep decline. Since 1999, however, the turtles have been protected and the prognosis looks positive. In the USA it is a federal offense to kill a Green Sea Turtle. In Costa Rica and other areas, volunteers collect eggs for incubation and frighten off predators at night. Hopefully, these efforts, combined with those in Galapagos, will mean a brighter future for the turtles.

Seeing Green Sea Turtles in Galapagos

Although snorkelers may find the sudden sight of an enormous sea turtle startling, they are gentle and not aggressive. They are vegetarians who can often be found eating seaweed and slowly swimming around. They are a common sight at most of the snorkeling sights in Galapagos, including the Devil’s Crown and Bartolome. Look for them in water deeper than ten feet (three meters) or so, especially near seaweed beds. Often, if you see one Green Sea Turtle, there will be more nearby. Snorkelers who approach slowly should get a good close look!

In Galapagos, you don’t have to be snorkeling to see one of these majestic turtles. They are often spotted from shore or from pangas as they come up for air. Also, on islands like Genovesa and Fernandina, turtles occasionally get caught up in tidal pools, which will allow visitors a good close-up view (and often the chance to take good photos)!