January 18, 2008
Extinction of the Leatherback Sea Turtle?
BY: nikki
Scientists in Malaysia are calling the leatherback sea turtle “effectively extinct” after recording no landings of the reptile this year.
Rather than fight to try and restore populations, one professor said more attention should be paid to green and hawksbill sea turtles so they don’t suffer a similar fate.
Sea turtles have been swimming the world’s oceans since before the dinosaurs roamed the earth, more than 110 million years ago. All six turtle species that swim in U.S. waters are listed by the U.S. government as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act.
The battle isn’t over yet. Here at Oceana we’re fighting to protect sea turtles, including leatherbacks, and you can help by staying informed on the issue and taking action. Click HERE to learn more about sea turtles and what Oceana is doing to save them.
Help us today by asking the government to designate critical habitat for leatherback sea turtles off the coast of California and Oregon.