Globally, there is a decline in wild animal populations, but there is positive news for the green sea turtle. Thanks to years of conservation efforts, the situation for this turtle has improved. In 2025, it was moved from the 'Endangered' category on the IUCN Red List to the 'Least Concern' category.
This means that the risk of extinction for this turtle worldwide is currently lower. Measures such as ensuring egg safety, protecting beaches, and banning hunting have helped it. This information comes against the backdrop of a general decline in many wild species globally.
According to the WWF's Living Planet Report 2026, the average size of wild animal populations monitored from 1970 to 2022 decreased by 73%. Nevertheless, the report indicates that about half of the tracked populations remain stable or are showing growth. The green sea turtle serves as an example that with long-term application of proper species rescue measures, its condition can improve.
Work to protect the green sea turtle has been ongoing for about five decades. Efforts have been made in approximately 80 countries to ensure the safety of turtle habitats and eggs. These steps included coastal protection, egg care, and curbing poaching.
When a female green sea turtle comes ashore from the sea to lay eggs, any increased human activity on the beach or damage to the eggs can negatively affect the population size. Therefore, special attention has been paid to protecting nesting sites. Attempts were also made to reduce lighting intensity on beaches, as bright light can disorient young turtles trying to reach the sea.
Fishing net trawling also poses a serious threat to the green sea turtle. Turtles can get entangled in these nets and die. To reduce this problem, work has been done to introduce nets and equipment that allow turtles to escape if they get caught.
Furthermore, attempts have been made to stop turtle hunting and egg collection. The green sea turtle was traditionally hunted for meat and other body parts. In addition, increasing amounts of litter and pollution in the sea also pose a danger. Therefore, besides stopping hunting, it is crucial to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the seas and beaches.
The WWF's Living Planet Report 2026 studied the status of 35,803 populations of 5,790 vertebrate species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. According to the report, the average size of these populations decreased by 73% between 1970 and 2022. However, this does not mean that 73% of all animals in the world have gone extinct; it refers to the average size of the monitored populations.
The report also notes that about half of the tracked populations have either stabilized or grown. The overall average decrease is due to significant declines in populations where reductions were observed. The largest decline was recorded among freshwater organisms, followed by terrestrial and marine animals. The main causes are deforestation and destruction of other natural habitats, poaching, pollution, and climate change.
Despite the improvement in the situation for the green sea turtle, other sea turtle species continue to face numerous threats. Fishing nets, poaching, and beach construction create problems for them. Building structures on the coast can reduce areas where turtles lay eggs, and plastic and other waste in the water can also harm them. Therefore, it is vital to ensure the safety of the seas and habitats of these turtles.
The history of the green sea turtle demonstrates that consistent efforts can lead to improvements in wildlife. However, to maintain the achieved relief, the fight against poaching, the preservation of eggs, and the protection of the ocean from pollution must continue. Only through these conservation measures can the population of this turtle remain safe.