Why the Comeback of Green Sea Turtles Means Big Waves for Surfers & Shoppers at Spunky’s Surf Shop

At Spunky’s Surf Shop, we’ve been teaching surfers, fixing boards, stocking quality gear, and celebrating the sea. And today we’ve got exhilarating news for every beach-lover, wave-chaser and eco-enthusiast: the majestic Green Sea Turtle is no longer listed as endangered. This milestone isn’t just a win for wildlife! It’s a wave of opportunity for the surf community. 

What’s the big deal? Green sea turtles rebound

After decades of decline, the global population of green sea turtles has grown roughly 28% since the 1970s. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially shifted the species from “Endangered” to “Least Concern.”
That’s a powerful testimony: when people, policy and passion align, survival and recovery are possible.

Why surfers, beach-lovers and ocean activists should care

• Sea turtles are keystone species: by grazing on seagrass and algae they help maintain healthy reef and coastal ecosystems—which in turn support surf breaks and beach environments we love.

• A thriving ocean means better waves, cleaner beaches, richer marine life and enhanced experiences both in and out of the water.

• For a shop like Spunky’s (30 years strong), this is more than a feel-good moment—it’s part of the culture. We live for these moments in history!

• It gives us a fresh story to share with our everyone: “When you buy from us, you support gear that respects the sea like 4Ocean!

Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)

Q: Does this mean green sea turtles are safe forever?
Not quite. While the global status improved, some regional sub-populations still face decline due to coastal development, climate threats and by-catch.

Q: How did they recover?
Through decades of coordinated actions: protecting nesting beaches, using turtle-excluder devices (TEDs) in fisheries, community engagement and trade reduction.

Q: What does this mean for Florida beaches and surf breaks?
It means our ecosystem is showing signs of resilience and that’s good for surf culture, tourism and the local economy. Improved marine life means healthier waters, more biodiversity and stronger beach communities like ours in Fort Pierce.

Q: How can Spunky’s customers help?

• Use reef-safe sunscreens

• Participate in local beach cleanups

• Support eco-gear stocked at Spunky’s

• Respect nesting zones and marine wildlife while surfing or boating

The comeback of the green sea turtle is more than conservation headline it’s a beacon for surf culture, beach communities and businesses like Spunky’s Surf Shop. Since 1994 we’ve embraced the sea, the wave and the stoke. Now we get to ride this wave of hope alongside our ocean friends. Let’s celebrate this milestone, gear up responsibly, engage our community and keep the momentum rolling. Because when the ocean thrives, we all win.