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 overlooking Rice's whale flukeprints—calm patches of water on the surface of the ocean formed by the passing of a whale. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Carrie Sinclair (Permit #29138)
Reflecting on 15 Years of Science Since Deepwater Horizon: Monitoring Recovery
Technical divers Jake Emmert of Moody Gardens and Devin Waddell of Georgia Aquarium reattach a coral colony (Swiftia exserta) to the reef in the northern Gulf of America. Credit: Georgia Aquarium/Jonathan Langham
Reflecting on 15 Years of Science Since Deepwater Horizon: Supporting Restoration
NOAA scientists look over the side of a research vessel at oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Glenn Zapfe
Reflecting on 15 Years of Science Since Deepwater Horizon: Response and Assessment
Common dolphins. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Michelle Klein
Celebrating 15 Years of Surveying Protected Species in the Northwest Atlantic
Multimedia
A loggerhead sea turtle swimming in a deep blue open ocean. Credit: Adobe Stock
Research
Updated Global Conservation Status and Priorities for Marine Turtles
The importance of context-specific planning to effectively target limited conservation resources.
Novel Behavioral Responses of Sea Turtles to Gillnet Fishing Gear
By using controlled experiments with wild-caught animals, we provide novel insights on fine-scale…
Marine Debris Impacts on Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas): High Prevalence of Hook-and-Line Fishing Gear in Strandings
Findings emphasize the need for sustained cleanup efforts and measures to reduce fishing gear…
Surveys in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
We conduct research and monitoring surveys to better understand the physical, biological, economic, and social components of marine ecosystems found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from the Canadian Scotian Shelf to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Recovery of Endangered and Threatened Species
Learn how NOAA Fisheries works with partners to protect and recover endangered and threatened marine species.
