Chinese researchers have achieved a breakthrough in marine conservation by documenting the full life cycle of green sea turtles on Yongshu Reef, part of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. For the first time, scientists recorded a green sea turtle laying eggs on August 10 and monitored the 52-day incubation period until successful hatching.
The discovery follows years of ecological restoration efforts led by environmental experts from Yongshu Reef's protection department and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. After identifying a nesting site in July, researchers established a protected zone with warning signs and daily monitoring systems to track beach conditions and seawater parameters.
Green sea turtles, classified as a first-class protected species in China, now find sanctuary in these revitalized ecosystems. 'This success demonstrates how targeted conservation can reverse environmental challenges,' said a team representative. The newly collected data on hatching patterns and habitat conditions will inform broader strategies to protect marine biodiversity across the South China Sea.
Yongshu Reef's transformation into a stable breeding ground highlights the growing importance of scientific monitoring in balancing ecological preservation with regional development priorities. Researchers plan to expand their turtle population recovery program while studying its implications for coastal ecosystem management.
