As we continue to hear about the dwindling population of plants and animals due to habitat loss, climate change and many more factors, the news of an increase in their numbers brings hope and joy.

According to a comprehensive analysis of global sea turtle abundance published on Wednesday in Science Advances, most populations of sea turtles are bouncing back after historical declines.

Antonios Mazaris, an ecologist at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and a team of international researchers analyzed existing public data of sea turtle nesting sites around the world over time periods ranging from six to 47 years. They standardized individual data sets and evaluated each site separately and then combined them into regional populations to look at changes. They found that even small populations, which normally have a tough time recovering, are capable of being restored.

Researchers believe that it has been easier to protect the sea turtles as their threat is tangible. They are accidentally trapped by fishermen or harvested by others as delicacies, aphrodisiacs or decoration.

The efforts of conservationists dating back to the 1950s have borne fruits. By protecting beaches, regulating fishing and establishing marine protected areas turtles have been saved in many locations.They were surprised to find that with adequate protection, even small populations of turtles have a chance of survival.