Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation
August 01, 2007
NOAA Fisheries periodically reviews species to ensure that they are listed under the Endangered Species Act appropriately. Because the ESA requires these reviews at least once every 5 years, they are referred to as 5-year reviews.
This review was compiled jointly by NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Based on the best available information, we do not believe the breeding colony populations in Florida and on the Pacific coast of Mexico should be delisted or reclassified. However, for the current population listings for the green turtle (both endangered and threatened), we have information that indicates an analysis and review of the species should be conducted in the future to determine the application of the distinct population segment (DPS) policy to the green turtle.
Additionally, based on the best available information, we do not believe the threatened green turtle populations should be delisted or reclassified.
We have preliminary information that indicates an analysis and review of the species should be conducted in the future to determine the application of the DPS policy to the green turtle. Since the species’ listing, a substantial amount of information has become available on population structure (through genetic studies) and distribution (through telemetry, tagging, and genetic studies). NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have not yet fully assembled or analyzed this new information; however, at a minimum, these data appear to indicate a possible separation of populations by ocean basins.