Green turtle just below the surface of Mayotte lagoon in the early morning
Mayotte, a small jewel in the Indian Ocean, is a marine sanctuary where underwater life thrives in all its splendor. Among its most iconic inhabitants, the green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stand out with their majestic beauty and their crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of coral reefs. In this article, let's dive into the fascinating world of these marine creatures and explore why Mayotte is such an essential stopover for their survival. 
Green turtles swimming in the blue of Mayotte lagoon
A Prime Nesting Ground
The beaches of Mayotte welcome thousands of green sea turtles each year, coming ashore to lay their eggs. These marine turtles travel thousands of kilometers to return to the beaches of their birth, a phenomenon known as natal homing. This migration, which can take several years, remains one of the greatest mysteries of marine biology. The nesting period extends from November to March, when the turtles come ashore on the island’s fine sandy beaches to lay their eggs. After digging a nest, they deposit between 100 and 200 eggs, which they carefully bury before heading back to the sea, leaving the embryos to develop under the warmth of the sand. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny turtles, fragile and vulnerable, face numerous dangers, but many will make their way to the nourishing waters, where they will spend several years before returning themselves.
Green Sea Turtles and Their Ecological
RoleGreen sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. Their feeding habits mainly consist of seagrasses, aquatic plants found on sandy and rocky bottoms. By grazing on these seagrasses, turtles help regulate their growth, allowing these thriving ecosystems to remain healthy. Seagrass meadows are crucial habitats for many marine species, providing food and shelter for young fish and other marine life. By maintaining the balance of these meadows, turtles indirectly foster marine biodiversity, creating a more stable environment for other underwater creatures. 
To the deep blue of Mayotte lagoon
A 50 Million Year Journey
Green sea turtles have existed for over 50 million years, surviving through the ages with remarkable resilience. Their bodies, perfectly adapted for marine life, allow them to swim great distances with ease. Their flattened, rigid shells act as the ultimate defense against predators, while their flipper-like limbs propel them gracefully through the water. These turtles can travel thousands of kilometers in open waters, often at depths where they feed on aquatic plants. Yet, despite their great endurance, these marine reptiles face numerous threats. Climate change, plastic pollution, and the destruction of their natural habitats are constant dangers that threaten their survival. Keep the Connection AliveExplore a curated selection of fine art turtle photographs from Mayotte and beyond. Each print is signed, printed on gallery-grade paper, and shipped with care. Explore the Collection →
A juvénile green turtle on the beach of Saziley Mayotte
Threats and Conservation: A Fight for Survival
While Mayotte provides an ideal environment for green sea turtle nesting, these creatures face numerous threats. Uncontrolled tourism development, accidental entanglements in fishing nets, and marine pollution are all challenges to their population. The consumption of turtles by humans in some cultures also represents a significant threat. One of the most alarming threats comes from climate change. Rising global temperatures directly affect the sex of the turtles. The sex of sea turtles, including green turtles, is determined by the temperature of the sand where their eggs are incubated. Warmer temperatures favor the birth of females, while cooler temperatures produce males. If global warming continues, it could lead to a significant imbalance in turtle populations, with a predominance of females and a shortage of males, which would jeopardize reproduction and the survival of the species. However, efforts are being made to protect these magnificent creatures. Conservation programs, such as monitoring nesting beaches and establishing marine sanctuaries, have been launched to safeguard turtles and their habitats. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted among local communities and visitors to reduce the impact of human activity on these vulnerable animals. 
Breath, a green turtle going to the surface of Mayotte lagoon.
Conclusion: Preserving the Ocean’s Beauty
Green sea turtles of Mayotte are more than just a tourist attraction or a biological wonder. They are the sentinels of a fragile ecosystem that, like them, is struggling for survival. Their protection depends on collective awareness and ongoing conservation efforts to ensure that future generations can also marvel at the beauty of these iconic marine creatures. By protecting Mayotte’s turtles and their habitat, we are contributing to the preservation of the island’s marine wealth and maintaining the balance of the Indian Ocean. Through their eyes, we can see the urgency of protecting what remains of our planet, because, just like these turtles, the Earth itself is in peril. FAQ – Conservation of Green Sea TurtlesWhy are green sea turtles endangered?They face bycatch, poaching and egg harvesting, plastic pollution, boat strikes, and habitat loss. Climate change warms nesting sands, which skews hatchling sex ratios and lowers survival. What conservation efforts exist in Mayotte?Local NGO Oulanga Na Nyamba monitors nesting beaches, rescues stranded turtles, and runs education with communities and schools across the island. How can divers and tourists help protect turtles?Keep respectful distance, never touch or chase, avoid blocking access to the surface or resting spots, reduce plastic use, and support local conservation projects. What is the IUCN status of green sea turtles?Globally Endangered on the IUCN Red List (Chelonia mydas). Regional populations may face different levels of risk depending on local pressures. What should I do if I find a stranded or injured turtle in Mayotte?Keep people away, note the exact location and time, and contact local authorities or Oulanga Na Nyamba. Do not drag the turtle or push it back to sea. Les commentaires sont fermés.
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Serge Melesan
Underwater & Fine Art Ocean Photographer Specialist in Fine Art Ocean Photography. Published in Oceanographic Magazine & Earth.org. National Geographic Traveller – Portfolio Winner (2023). Archives
Novembre 2025
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