A new global survey has found that endangered sea turtles are rebounding in more than half the regions studied, offering hope for one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures. Researchers examined 48 populations worldwide and discovered encouraging trends, particularly for green turtles in parts of Mexico and the U.S., thanks to decades of conservation efforts and legal protections. These results point to the impact of banning commercial harvests, safeguarding nesting areas, and reducing bycatch in fisheries.
Challenges still remain, especially for leatherback turtles, which are not recovering as quickly. These long-distance migrants face heightened risks across every region they inhabit, and accidental capture in fishing gear continues to threaten sea turtle populations globally. While new technologies offer promise, experts emphasize that widespread use will be crucial. Overall, the findings mark one of conservation’s most uplifting success stories in recent years.