Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas · Also known as: green turtle
Occasional Assateague/OC ocean visitor among the seashore’s listed sea turtle species. More common farther south.
Quick facts
| Group | Sea turtle |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Habitats | Offshore / ocean, Ocean beach, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | summer, fall |
How to recognize them
- Smooth carapace; adults often olive to brown; named for greenish fat, not shell color.
- Adults graze seagrass and algae; juveniles more omnivorous.
Biology notes
- Long-distance migrant; Mid-Atlantic waters are the northern fringe of regular occurrence.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Offshore watches from Assateague and Ocean City beaches; rare close looks from shore.
When to look
- Warm season; never expected as a common beach sighting.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Same stranding protocol as other sea turtles—report, don’t push back to sea.
Conservation
- Threatened/endangered protections apply; habitat and bycatch remain concerns.
