Scuba Diver is Surrounded by Gigantic Green Sea Turtles

6 days ago
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Pacific green turtles are enormous sea turtles. They get their name from the green fat that accumulates beneath the carapace due to it's diet of green sea grass. Green turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches where they congregate in massive groups to lay their eggs. The females climb out onto the beaches at night to deposit their eggs.
Green turtles live up to 90 years, reaching 190kg (416lbs). The largest known green turtle weighed 395kg (871lbs) Despite laws to protect them, their numbers are decreasing due to overdevelopment of nesting areas, pollution, overharvesting, and dangers caused by fishing nets. Only humans, orcas, and large sharks actively prey on mature green turtles.
This scuba diver in the Galapagos found himself surrounded by hundreds of the turtles that were congregating for breeding in the shallows near this shoreline. Unconcerned with his presence, some were curious enough to come up for a close look. To see so many sea turtles in one area is a once in a lifetime experience.

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