Jellyfish Delicious

Leatherbacks, the largest sea turtle species, feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, consuming up to 73% of their body weight in jellyfish daily during peak feeding periods.

By preying on jellyfish, turtles help maintain ecological balance, preventing jellyfish overpopulation, which can disrupt marine ecosystems by outcompeting other species for plankton and damaging fish populations.

The decline in sea turtle numbers due to human activities, such as pollution, bycatch, and habitat loss, can contribute to jellyfish blooms, highlighting the importance of turtle conservation for healthy ocean ecosystems.