Green sea turtle’s global status improves, but Gulf rescues remain critical

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) says the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has elevated the green sea turtle from Endangered to Least Concern globally—while cautioning that local populations along the Gulf still need protection. IMMS notes that other species in the region, including the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley, also remain at risk.

Though green sea turtles are less commonly found in Mississippi than other species, IMMS has responded to multiple sick and injured turtles on the Coast over the years—from strandings tied to the Deepwater Horizon aftermath to animals accidentally caught by fishermen, and even one entangled in a baseball cap, the organization said.

IMMS serves as the premier stranding organization for the Mississippi–Louisiana–Ala