Are green sea turtles producers?
Producers in the ocean include seagrasses, algae, and phytoplankton. Herbivores are animals that only eat producers (plants and algae). These are grazing animals, like manatees, adult green sea turtles, and many snails. Omnivores are animals that eat both meat and plants.
What are the predators of the green sea turtle?
Adult sea turtles have a few predators, mostly large sharks. Tiger sharks, in particular, are known for eating sea turtles. Killer whales have been known to prey on leatherback turtles. Fishes, dogs, seabirds, raccoons, ghost crabs, and other predators prey on eggs and hatchlings.
How did the green sea turtle get its name?
The name of the green sea turtle is derived from the reptile’s greenish-colored fat. This diet is thought to give them their greenish-colored fat, hence the name, the green turtle. Green turtles primarily use three types of habitat – beaches for nesting, open ocean convergence zones as juveniles, and coastal areas for benthic feeding as adults.
Where do green turtles live in the ocean?
Green turtles primarily use three types of habitat – beaches for nesting, open ocean convergence zones as juveniles, and coastal areas for benthic feeding as adults. In the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters, green turtles are found in inshore and nearshore waters from Texas to Massachusetts, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Is the US Fish and Wildlife Service responsible for sea turtles?
NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have shared jurisdiction of sea turtles listed under the ESA. We lead the recovery and conservation efforts for sea turtles in the marine environment, and U.S. FWS leads recovery and conservation efforts for sea turtles on nesting beaches.
What kind of food does a green sea turtle eat?
I eat sea grasses and algae (although juvenile green sea turtles will also eat crabs, sponges and jellyfish), which might be the reason I have the green-colored fat and cartilage that give me my name. I have a hard protective shell, but unlike land turtles, I can’t pull my head and flippers inside to protect myself.
However, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, due to the long-range migratory movements of sea turtles between nesting beaches and foraging areas, long-term international cooperation is essential for the recovery and stability of nesting populations. Green sea turtles received their name for the color of their body fat, which is green.
Where can green sea turtles be found in the world?
The green sea turtle is estimated to inhabit coastal areas of more than 140 countries, with nesting sites in over 80 countries worldwide throughout the year. In the United States Atlantic coast, green sea turtles can be found from Texas and north to Massachusetts.
How are green sea turtles protected in the wild?
Green sea turtles and their food also face overhunting, including for use in sea turtle soup. Green sea turtles are protected by national and state laws, as well as international treaties, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service conducts regular monitoring of green sea turtle populations.
NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have shared jurisdiction of sea turtles listed under the ESA. We lead the recovery and conservation efforts for sea turtles in the marine environment, and U.S. FWS leads recovery and conservation efforts for sea turtles on nesting beaches.
