Sea Turtles in U.S. Waters

Green Sea Turtle
Breeding populations of green sea turtles in Florida and on the Pacific coast of Mexico are endangered, while all other populations are threatened. Two of the biggest threats to green sea turtles are capture in fishing gear and direct harvest for human consumption. Learn More>>

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead sea turtles are one of the most abundant species of sea turtles worldwide, yet they are still threatened with extinction. The major threats to loggerheads are capture in fishing gear and loss of nesting habitat. Learn More>>

Leatherback Sea Turtle
Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles, reaching lengths of around 6 feet and weighing as much as 1,100 pounds. Capture in fishing gear, harvest of their eggs, and ingestion of plastics have all contributed to the listing of leatherbacks as endangered. Learn More>>

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Hawksbill sea turtles are categorized as endangered. Major threats to these sea turtles are harvesting for their valuable shells, capture in fish gear and destruction of their coral reef habitat by destructive fishing practices. Learn More>>

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles
Kemp's ridley sea turtles, the smallest of the sea turtles, are listed as endangered. They face extinction due to being caught in fishing gear and the harvesting of eggs for human consumption. Learn More>>

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles
Olive ridley sea turtles, named for their olive-colored shell, are listed as threatened, with the exception of the population that nests in Mexico, which is endangered. The decline of this species is primarily due to capture in commercial fisheries, loss of nesting habitat and the direct harvest of adults and eggs. Learn More>>