Sexual Maturity
Estimates of sexual maturity in sea turtles vary not only among species, but also among different populations of the same species. Maturity may range from as early as three years in hawksbills to 12-30 years in loggerheads to 20-50 years in green sea turtles.
Sexual maturity often is related to carapace size. Studies have shown that hawksbills reach sexual maturity at a carapace size of 60 to 95 cm (24-37 in.); loggerheads reach maturity at a carapace size of 79 cm (31 in.); and green sea turtles reach maturity at 69 to 79 cm (27-31 in.).
Evidence suggests that some turtles continue to grow after reaching sexual maturity, while some stop growing after reaching maturity.