Green Sea Turtle

The Green Sea Turtle, Chelonia mydas, is a large sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae.

It is the only species in the genus Chelonia. The range of the sea turtle extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Their common name derives from the often green fat found beneath their carapace.

 The Green Sea Turtle has a flattened body covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace. It has large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly coloured, except that its carapace's hues range to almost black in the Eastern Pacific. Unlike other members of its family such as the Hawksbill Sea Turtle and Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Chelonia mydas is mostly herbivorous. The adults commonly inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of seagrass.
 
Like other sea turtles, they migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Many islands worldwide are known as Turtle Islands for the Green Sea Turtle that nest on their beaches. Females haul out on to beaches, dig nests and lay eggs during the night. Later, hatchlings emerge and walk into the water. Those that reach maturity may live to age 80 in the wild.
 
Chelonia mydas is listed as endangered by the IUCN and CITES and is protected from exploitation in most countries. It is illegal to collect, harm or kill them. In addition, many countries have laws and ordinances to protect nesting areas. However, turtles are still in danger because of several human practices. In some countries, turtles and their eggs are hunted for food. Pollution indirectly harms turtles at both population and individual scales. Many turtles die caught in fishing nets. Finally, real estate development often causes habitat loss by eliminating nesting beaches.
 
Turtles are frequently sighted at Oak Park  in Cronulla
 
    Dive Start Date  
Oak Park- Shore Dive Friday 05 Apr 2024

  • Start Date: Fri 05 Apr 2024 at 10:00

a beautiful dive at cronulla called oak park at Jibbon Street Cronulla. Oak Park is a relatively shallow dive (max 11m) but the site is massive with a large range of marine life, from cuttlefish through to schools of Old Wives. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced diver, it is a great site for everyone. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

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Oak Park- Shore Dive Saturday 06 Apr 2024

  • Start Date: Sat 06 Apr 2024 at 10:00

a beautiful dive at cronulla called oak park at Jibbon Street Cronulla. Oak Park is a relatively shallow dive (max 11m) but the site is massive with a large range of marine life, from cuttlefish through to schools of Old Wives. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced diver, it is a great site for everyone. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

Request More Info

Oak Park- Shore Dive Saturday 20 Apr 2024

  • Start Date: Sat 20 Apr 2024 at 10:00

a beautiful dive at cronulla called oak park at Jibbon Street Cronulla. Oak Park is a relatively shallow dive (max 11m) but the site is massive with a large range of marine life, from cuttlefish through to schools of Old Wives. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced diver, it is a great site for everyone. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

Request More Info

Oak Park- Shore Dive Sunday 21 Apr 2024

  • Start Date: Sun 21 Apr 2024 at 10:00

a beautiful dive at cronulla called oak park at Jibbon Street Cronulla. Oak Park is a relatively shallow dive (max 11m) but the site is massive with a large range of marine life, from cuttlefish through to schools of Old Wives. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced diver, it is a great site for everyone. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

Request More Info


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