Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of Loggerhead Sea Turtle 5-Year Review
March 16, 2023
A 5-year review is a periodic analysis of a species’ status conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate.
NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services are jointly responsible for the protection and conservation of all sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act, we are required to conduct a review of all listed species at least once every 5 years to assess whether the current listing status remains accurate. The Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the loggerhead sea turtle was listed as endangered under the ESA in 2011. In 2019, we initiated the 5-year review. The 5-year review is based on the best available data through August 2021. We concluded that no change to the listing status of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of the loggerhead sea turtle is warranted at this time.