About

The Leatherback Turtle

The leatherback turtle is a creature of superlatives. It's the largest turtle on Earth. It dives deeper than any other sea turtle — over 1,200 meters. It migrates across entire ocean basins. And it's one of the most ancient creatures alive today, a dinosaur-era survivor that has been cruising the world's oceans for 100 million years.

But the leatherback is losing its battle with the modern world. Despite its size and strength, it cannot escape the plastic floating in our oceans. Leatherbacks feed almost exclusively on jellyfish — and plastic bags look exactly like jellyfish to a hungry turtle. Ingestion of plastic is now a major cause of leatherback deaths worldwide.

The Atlantic population, which nests on beaches from Florida to the Caribbean, has declined by 95% since 1980. These are the ocean's gentle giants — creatures that predate human civilization — and we're disposing of them with our garbage.

Threats

What's Killing the Leatherback Turtle?

Bycatch 4/5

Drowned in fishing nets and longlines

Plastic pollution 5/5

Mistakes plastic bags for jellyfish

Climate change 4/5

Beach temperatures affect hatchling sex ratios

Conservation

What's Being Done?

  • Nesting beach protection in key sites
  • Fishing gear modifications to reduce bycatch
  • Plastic pollution reduction campaigns
  • International monitoring programs
    • Population History

    How We Got Here

    Watch

    See the Leatherback Turtle in the Wild

    Documentary: Leatherback Turtle

    Updates

    Latest Conservation News

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    Help Save the Leatherback Turtle

    Every action counts. Here are proven ways to make a real difference for Leatherback Turtle conservation.

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