From metal water bottles to popular slogans, the 2010s “Save the Turtles” movement helped bring attention to the dangers that green sea turtles faced. As a result of increased awareness and conservation efforts, green sea turtles were reclassified from endangered to least concerned on Oct. 10, 2025. However, this change has caused many people to believe the species no longer requires protection.
In 1970, sea turtles shifted from being regulated under fisheries law to being protected under species conservation laws. Fisheries law addresses the management of fishing practices through regulations that promote sustainability and environmental protection. These laws enforce penalties to prevent illegal fishing while also providing support and training for fishermen, all with the goal of protecting the marine ecosystems.
The Sea Turtle Protection Act further strengthened conservation efforts by placing limits on human activities that threaten sea turtle populations, ensuring their long-term survival.
“I feel like the Save the Turtles trend of buying metal water bottles and not using plastic allowed this outcome, even if it was just a trend,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School junior Mia Kokorelis said.
Civilians have noticed increased awareness surrounding sea turtles in the last few years. As a result of the ongoing trend, many businesses have switched from plastic to paper products, which may seem like an insignificant change, but had a tremendous impact as more people gradually adopted the trend. These efforts continue to reduce ocean pollution, one of the biggest threats to sea turtles.
Alongside plastic pollution, fishing played a huge role in the endangerment of sea turtles. Accidental capture in fishing nets and gear, known as bycatch, led to massive population declines. Fisheries laws targeted this issue by regulating fishing equipment and enforcing safer practices. Despite this progress, declining public concern has slowed down conservation efforts. It is crucial for conservation efforts to continue so that the progress achieved over the past 50 years is maintained.
“After all of the work that has been put into keeping the turtles safe, it would be awful to see it all go to waste,” Kokorelis said.
Environmental advocates emphasize that conservation is not a one-time success but an ongoing responsibility that must be kept as a crucial focus.
