Incidental catch during commercial shrimp trawling is a continuing source of mortality that adversely affects recovery. Biology Adult green turtles may reach a size of 1 m long and 180 kg mass. The carapace is smooth and is colored gray, green, brown and black. The plastron is yellowish white. Hatchlings weigh about 25 g, and are about 50 mm long.
Hatchlings are black on top and white on the bottom.
Age at sexual maturity is estimated at 20-50 years. In the southeastern United States, green turtles are found around the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the continental U.S. from Texas to Massachusetts. Important feeding grounds in Florida include Indian River Lagoon, the Florida Keys, Florida Bay, Homosassa, Crystal River and Cedar Key. The primary nesting sites in U.S. Atlantic waters are along the east coast of Florida, with additional sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Green turtles are found throughout the North Pacific, ranging as far north as Eliza Harbor, Admiralty Island, Alaska, and Ucluelet, British Columbia.