North Carolina: Shelf Break off of Cape Hatteras

The shelf break off Cape Hatteras is an extremely important habitat area for loggerhead sea turtles. Loggerheads are found foraging in this area, especially during the winter months. There is also evidence suggesting loggerheads mate off of Cape Hatteras as well. Their foraging and mating behavior coincides with heavy fishing activity leading to high bycatch rates. According to the Fisheries Service's own assessment, incidental capture in fishing gear is the most significant manmade factor affecting the recovery of loggerheads.