Ian Jason

11-29-11

Threats to Leatherback Sea

Turtles

Overview

Listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species list as critically endangered

Native to over 70 countries due to large migration patterns

Have been on the endangered list since 1982

Harvesting of eggs on beaches a major potential threat

Quick Facts

• Largest sea turtle in the world• Have a soft shellDescription

• They spend most of their time in the deep ocean

• Can dive up to depths of 5,000Uniqueness

• In great danger• All could be preventedExtinction

Image retrieved from conserveturtles.org

Amazingly able to retrace migratory

patterns

Ingestion of human garbage

Ocean Pollution

Destruction of nesting beaches

Commercial exploitation of eggs

Main Reasons for Endangerment

Image retrieved from wikipedia.org

Egg Harvesting

Harvesting of eggs on shores of Malaysia

Decrease in the overall populations

of Leatherback

s

Increased populations of fish as

result, especially jellyfish

Pollution and Fishing

Trash can be eaten by the turtles in the ocean, very toxic

Driftnets have captured turtles on accident

Juveniles and adults are often caught on accident in migratory routes

Plastics even been found in egg yolks

Doctor Scott A. Eckert, an expert on Leatherback Turtles, has said…

“Sea turtles are members of “the global commons”, and must be managed as such…

we will not only fail to restore sea turtle

populations, but the consequences will be severe and enduring for domestic

industry and policy”.

Image retrieved from principiapilot.org

How Can Extinction be Prevented?

Try to limit ocean pollution as best as possible

Full protection of spawning habitats

Reform fishing practices in areas there may be Leatherbacks

Collaboration and cooperation between nations

If extreme measures are taken soon, these majestic creatures may become extinct.

Image retrieved from sustainablewaters.com

Bibliography

Sarti Martinez, A.L. (2000). Dermochelys coriacea. Retrieved from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/

Eckert, S. (2002, May 12). Safeguarding Pacific sea turtles in the oceanic commons. Retrieved from the Ocean Commission website

http://www.oceancommission.gov/meetings/may13_14_02/eckert_testimony.pdf