After decades of decline, green sea turtles are bouncing back! Scientists track the species’ population by counting their nests every summer.
The newest report says that the number of green sea turtle nests has increased by 28% over the past 50 years. “This is good news because sea turtles have long been thought to be at risk of extinction, but that’s no longer the case at a global level,” says Bryan Wallace, an ecologist who led the recent assessment.
The green sea turtle comeback also shows that conservation efforts—like passing laws to protect species—can make a real difference. Even so, some green sea turtle populations are still at risk. Researchers say continued conservation like protecting nesting sites and preventing pollution is important for lasting recovery.