Leatherback Sea Turtles

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the leatherback sea turtle, which is the most endangered of the marine sea turtles. It describes the ways that these sea turtles are exploited, through egg poaching, artificial lighting, overpopulating of beaches, off road vehicles, balloons and fishing line entanglement. The paper then describes the protective efforts that are being undertaken in order to increase the numbers of leatherback sea turtles in the oceans around the world.

From the Paper:

"Compared to other marine sea turtles, the leatherback sea turtle is the most endangered. It was on June 2, 1970 that they were added to the endangered species list (NOAA, 2004). These large sea turtles have been around for over a hundred million years and have outlived the dinosaurs by 65 million years (Weiss, 2003). However, in today's world, with human impacts, their numbers have declined to critical stages and they are now endangered of extinction. Larry Crowder of Duke University Marine Lab says, "The Pacific Leatherback will be extinct within 10 to 30 years (Weiss, 2003)." Some of the reasons they are an endangered species are: the eggs are being poached, populating of beaches, artificial lights, off road vehicles, erosion on beaches, eating garbage or balloons, and becoming entangled in fishing equipment (NOAA, 2004). Is there anyway to reverse these human impacts? Can leatherback sea turtles remain living on this earth the way they have for over 65 million years? And why should humans be concerned over the fact that these turtles may become extinct?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Canedy, Dana. "Eggs of Endangered Turtles Fall Prey to Florida Dealers." New York Times 2 August 2002, late ed. east coast: A1.
• Holleman, Joey. "Turtles Troubles Lead to Crabby Changes in South Carolina." The State 20 April 2004, 1.
• Kopetman, Roxana. "Balloons Grounded to Save Sea Creatures." Los Angeles Times 11, February 1990, 1.
• Perrine, Doug. Sea Turtles of the World. Stillwater: Voyageur Press, 2003.
• "Leatherback Turtles". Encyclopedia of Animals. 2004 ed.

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