Marine turtles are some of the oldest creatures on Earth. They range widely in size and weight from 85 – 100 pounds for the smallest all the way up to 2,000 pounds for the largest, the leatherback turtle. All species of marine turtles in our oceans are threatened.

There are seven species of marine turtles found in all warm and temperate waters throughout the world. These turtles are air-breathing reptiles built for life in the sea, their aerodynamic shape and powerful flippers enable them to swim long distances at deep depths.

These incredible creatures migrate hundreds of miles every year to nesting areas and feeding grounds. Most marine turtles rarely, if ever, return to the shore after their first journey following hatching. Females return to the land to lay their eggs.

All seven marine turtle species are endangered, three critically so: leatherbacks, hawksbill, and Kemps’ Ridley turtles. Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, tens of thousands of these creatures are lost each year to feed the demand from illegal markets.

With strong legislation and enforcement, we can help to insure that marine turtles will still be swimming in our oceans millions of years from now.