Green Sea Turtles: A Conservation Win in 2025

No Longer Endangered! Green sea turtles have officially moved from endangered to least concern on the IUCN Red List—proof that decades of conservation efforts are paying off.

Population Up 28% Since the 1970s

Thanks to global action, their numbers are rising. But some subpopulations still face threats, so the work isn’t over.

How We Got Here

• Protected nesting beaches

• Community-led efforts to reduce egg harvesting

• Trade restrictions

• Turtle Excluder Devices in fishing gear

Why They Matter

Green sea turtles are keystone species in tropical ecosystems like seagrass meadows and coral reefs. They’ve also held cultural, culinary, and spiritual significance for millennia.

Still Vulnerable

Despite progress, they remain far below historic population levels—especially compared to pre-colonial abundance.

About the Red List

Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List is the world’s most comprehensive source on the conservation status of animals, fungi, and plants.