Posted by Bailey Kaufman | 02.18.2025 | Marine Science, Sea Turtle Camp, Turtle Talk

What Do Sea Turtles Eat?

Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, and each species has a unique diet! Their food choices help keep the ocean balanced and healthy. Let’s take a look at what sea turtles eat.

Different Turtles, Different Diets

• Green Sea Turtles – Mostly eat seagrass and algae, helping keep the ocean clean.
• Loggerhead Sea Turtles – Love crabs, clams, and other shellfish, using their strong jaws to crush them.
• Hawksbill Sea Turtles – Eat sponges from coral reefs, which helps keep reefs healthy.
• Leatherback Sea Turtles – Eat jellyfish, keeping their numbers under control.
• Kemp’s Ridley & Olive Ridley Sea Turtles – Enjoy a mix of crabs, shrimp, jellyfish, and small fish.
• Flatback Sea Turtles – Have a varied diet, eating soft corals, sea cucumbers, and small sea creatures.

Why Their Diet Matters

Each sea turtle plays a role in keeping the ocean balanced. Without them, some ocean animals could overpopulate and cause problems!

Threats to Sea Turtles’ Food

Sadly, pollution and habitat destruction are making it harder for sea turtles to find food. Plastic trash, like bags, can look like jellyfish and harm turtles when eaten.

How You Can Help

• Use less plastic to keep the ocean clean.
• Support ocean conservation programs.
• Help protect beaches and marine life.

Sea turtles are amazing creatures, and by protecting their food sources, we help keep our oceans healthy too!