Think green!

In honor of St. Patty’s day we thought it would be fun to share about a green sea creature that we sometimes get to see in our waters! This creature is a reptile and usually is seen in the Charleston area in the late spring, summer, and early fall. 

This creature is the green sea turtle! They are the second largest sea turtle behind the leatherback. Adults can reach 3-4 feet long and can weigh upwards of 400 pounds. They get their name “green” sea turtle from mainly consuming different green algae or seaweed which turns their fat green! As juveniles they are opportunistic feeders and will feed on both plants and animals when foraging. 

All 7 species of sea turtle are endangered and protected under the endangered species act. Along our coast in the summer months, the most frequent sea turtle to nest is the Loggerhead sea turtle. Last year there were only two green sea turtle nests recorded for the state of South Carolina on seaturtle.org. Compared to 4,812 nests recorded for loggerheads! That doesn’t mean greens aren’t around in our waters but just that they are nesting in other places. The photo we have of a green sea turtle is actually from one of our staff’s dock on Goat Island! The turtle was seen foraging on some sea lettuce. 

Green Sea turtle foraging.