Sea turtles are marine reptiles with streamlined bodies and large flippers that are well-adapted to life in the ocean. Six species are found in U.S. waters, all of which are listed and protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Although sea turtles live most of their lives in the ocean, adult females lay their eggs on land. They migrate hundreds to thousands of miles every year between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Leatherback turtles are among the most highly migratory animals on earth, traveling as many as 10,000 miles or more each year.
Sea turtles face significant threats around the world including:
- Bycatch in commercial and recreational fisheries.
- Loss and degradation of nesting and foraging habitats due to coastal development, pollution, and climate change.
- In some areas, killing of turtles and collection of eggs for consumption.
- Entanglement in marine debris.
- Vessel strikes.
In the United States, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have shared jurisdiction for recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered sea turtles. We lead the conservation and recovery of sea turtles in the marine environment, while the U.S. FWS has the lead for the conservation and recovery of these animals on nesting beaches.
Internationally, the conservation and recovery of sea turtles requires multilateral cooperation to ensure the survival of these highly migratory species. We work to ensure the global conservation and recovery of sea turtles by working closely with other nations through diplomatic channels, capacity building, and scientific exchange.
Species News
Scientists follow a Pacific leatherback turtle in waters off the U.S. West Coast. The endangered turtles migrate 7,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to feed on jellyfish off the coast of North America. Photo credit: Joel Schumacher/NOAA Fisheries.
Pocillopora grandis coral colonies serve as a welcome shelter for these butterflyfish and damselfish. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Ari Halperin.
Sea turtles being loaded on the aircraft for the flight south to Texas. Photo credit: Lauren Owens Lambert
Research
20 Memorable Marine Stories, Videos, and Photos of 2020
Sharks, whales, turtles, and much more! Revisit our top features of the year below. Top 5 Feature Stories 1. 12 Shark Facts That May Surprise You Do sharks have bones or good eyesight? During Shark Week 2020, we explored shark facts that you…
Regional Variation in Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Diet Composition and its Potential Relationship with Somatic Growth
Understanding the relationship between sea turtle foraging ecology and somatic growth dynamics.
Southwest Fisheries Science Center Stock Assessments
Population assessments are a key component of marine resource management. These assessments allow us to evaluate and report the status of managed fisheries, marine mammals, and endangered/threatened species under the authorities of the Magnuson-Stevens…
Loggerhead Turtles Record a Passing Hurricane
In early June 2011, NOAA Fisheries researchers and colleagues placed satellite tags on 26 loggerhead sea turtles in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. The tagging was part of ongoing studies of loggerhead movements and behavior. The Mid-Atlantic Bight, off the U…
Recovery of Endangered and Threatened Species
Learn how NOAA Fisheries works with partners to protect and recover endangered and threatened marine species.
