Short Facts:
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Green Sea Turtles can weigh up to 150 kg, Leatherbacks even over 700 kg
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One eats seaweed – the other prefers jellyfish
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Both are threatened with extinction
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Oceanmata supports projects to protect both species
Sea turtles are among the most fascinating animals in the oceans. Two species in particular never cease to amaze – the green sea turtle and the leatherback turtle . But how do they actually differ? And why do they need our protection more than ever?
In this article, you'll learn exciting facts, clear differences, and how you can contribute to the preservation of these wonderful animals with small steps.
🌱 Habitat & Distribution
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are found primarily in tropical and subtropical coastal regions . They prefer to live in shallow seagrass meadows or on coral reefs, for example, around Bali, Costa Rica, or Hawaii .
Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) , on the other hand, are true long-distance swimmers . They cross entire oceans—from Arctic Canada to the South Pacific —and prefer deeper, open waters.
🐢 Differences in appearance
| feature | Green Sea Turtle | Leatherback Turtle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | up to 1.2 m | up to 2.5 m |
| Weight | 100–150 kg | 300–700 kg |
| tank | Hard, greenish-brown | Soft, leathery with longitudinal grooves |
| Color | Greenish (due to diet) | Dark grey to black |
Fun fact: The green turtle isn't named that because of its shell color – but because its fatty tissue is greenish due to its plant-based diet.
🍴 Nutrition – Seaweed vs. Jellyfish
Green sea turtles are vegetarians —they love seagrass and algae . This makes them an important ecosystem player, helping to keep seagrass meadows healthy.
Leatherback turtles specialize in jellyfish . Their soft jaws are perfect for this slimy prey. Unfortunately, they often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish —with fatal consequences.
🚨 Threats & Protection Projects
Both species are classified as endangered to critically endangered on the Red List. The greatest threats:
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Plastic waste in the sea
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Loss of nesting sites due to development
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Bycatch in fishing nets
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Poaching & illegal trade
Oceanmata works with various local organizations, for example in Bali , to protect nests, raise awareness, and remove 1 kg of ocean plastic per product before it can pose a threat to turtles.
💚 What you can do
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Pay attention to plastic-free consumption – especially when you are on the go or at the beach
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Support projects that actively protect turtles
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Choose gifts with impact – for example, a turtle sponsorship from Oceanmata
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Share your knowledge – the more people help, the better!
🐢 Turtle sponsorship: Your contribution to marine conservation
With every Oceanmata Turtle Edition phone case or bracelet, you directly support a sponsorship for a sea turtle – including a certificate and the guarantee:
1 kg less ocean plastic in the sea.
This turns your phone case into a real statement for the oceans.
Conclusion: Two turtles, one goal – our protection
Whether Green Sea Turtle or Leatherback Turtle – both species are impressive ambassadors for a healthy marine ecosystem.
And even though they live and look different, they show us how important it is to make a big difference with small decisions .
Oceanmata believes: Every step counts. Including yours.
