A Glimpse into Sri Lanka's Marine Marvels: 5 Species of Sea Turtles Found Along The Coast

The green sea turtle is one of the most common species found in Sri Lankan waters. Named for the green-coloured cartilage found beneath their shells, these gentle giants are herbivores, feeding primarily on seagrass. Green sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass meadows, which provide habitat for numerous marine species. Spot protected hatchlings at a turtle hatchery in Mirissa, or visit a beach in Kosgoda during nesting season, and watch a breathtaking scene unfold.

Unfortunately, green sea turtles creatures face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Sri Lanka has implemented several conservation measures to protect these endangered creatures. Marine sanctuaries and protected areas have been established to safeguard their nesting beaches and foraging grounds. Additionally, efforts are underway to reduce the accidental capture of sea turtles in fishing nets through the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs). 

Hawksbill turtles are known for their beautifully patterned shells, which resemble the beak of a hawk. These endangered creatures are omnivores, feeding on sponges, jellyfish, and other invertebrates. Hawksbill turtles are vital for maintaining the health of coral reefs, as they help to control populations of coral-eating organisms.

Hawksbill turtles are particularly vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trade in their shells. Conservation efforts in Sri Lanka focus on protecting nesting beaches, reducing accidental capture in fishing gear, and raising awareness about the importance of hawksbill turtle conservation. Several resorts and hotels along the coast have begun to spearhead turtle conservation efforts with their very own hatcheries. Further down south in Koggala, The Fortress Resort & Spa boasts an in-house hatchery to protect turtle eggs from environmental threats, in addition to its catch-and-release program once the hatchlings are ready to greet their ocean homes. 

Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest of all sea turtle species. They are named for their olive-green shells and are known for their mass nesting behaviour, where thousands of females gather on beaches to lay their eggs simultaneously. Despite their size, Olive Ridley turtles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and other small marine animals.

Olive Ridley turtles have unique nesting behaviours, often nesting in large groups known as "arribadas." Conservation efforts in Sri Lanka focus on protecting nesting beaches, monitoring arribadas, and reducing threats such as accidental capture and habitat destruction.

Loggerhead sea turtles are the largest of all hard-shelled sea turtles. They have large heads and powerful jaws, which they use to crush their prey. Loggerheads are omnivores, feeding on a variety of marine organisms, including jellyfish, crabs, and fish.

Loggerheads are found in a wide range of habitats, from shallow coastal waters to deep oceans. They face various threats, including accidental capture in fishing gear, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts in Sri Lanka aim to protect loggerhead nesting beaches and reduce their accidental capture.

Leatherback sea turtles are unique among sea turtles as they have a leathery shell instead of a hard one. They are the largest of all living reptiles, and are known for their long migrations. Leatherbacks are primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish and other gelatinous organisms.

These magnificent creatures unfortunately face significant threats, including accidental capture in fishing gear, plastic pollution, and climate change. Currently, conservation efforts are focusing on reducing these threats and protecting their nesting beaches.