New Green Sea Turtle Nesting Site Discovered in South China Sea, Boosting Conservation Efforts

A green sea turtle nesting site has been identified for the first time on a reef in the Nansha Islands, according to sources from an ecological and environmental research station. This discovery was a result of routine ecological environment monitoring conducted by the institute's island and reef research center.

During the monitoring process, researchers found a depression on the sandy beach area of Yongshu Reef, part of the Nansha Islands. This depression, along with scattered overturned sand grains, closely resembled the typical nesting behavior of green sea turtles. Further investigation, including the deployment of surveillance equipment and nighttime patrols, provided visual records of sea turtles on the beach.

Researchers also collected samples of sea turtle eggs, confirming them to be green sea turtle eggs. Field surveys revealed flipper crawl marks on the sandy ground, indicating the path of sea turtles landing and returning to the ocean. These findings ultimately confirmed the reef area as a nesting site for green sea turtles.

The discovery of this nesting site is significant for the conservation of this nationally protected species. The new site is located approximately 800 kilometers south of previously discovered nesting sites. The ecological and environmental research station will collaborate with environmental protection departments to implement protective monitoring in the area and monitor relevant environmental factors.

China has increased its efforts in the protection of green sea turtles in recent years. Professional patrol teams guard the largest natural nesting site for the species, especially during peak breeding season. Marine protection authorities have organized patrol teams on the islands.

In 2024, numerous sea turtle nests were marked, and injured or sick sea turtles were rescued. The survival rate of hatchlings has improved significantly. Local authorities have established a temporary control zone for green sea turtle protection. Since the implementation of a sea turtle protection action plan, over 1,500 sea turtle nests have been recorded through monitoring and habitat restoration efforts.