Wildlife

Leatherback Sea Turtle Welfare

Leatherback sea turtles face multiple anthropogenic threats including bycatch, plastic ingestion, and beach development.

Key Facts

Leatherbacks can dive to 1000 meters and migrate thousands of kilometers
Plastic bags resemble jellyfish and are frequently ingested causing blockage
Pacific leatherback populations have declined over 95% since 1980
Nest disturbance from beach lighting causes hatchling disorientation

Welfare Considerations

Leatherback turtles that ingest plastic bags experience intestinal blockage, malnutrition, and slow death over weeks. Bycatch in longlines and trawls causes drowning and traumatic injury. Beach lighting causes hatchlings to move toward artificial light instead of the sea, resulting in dehydration and predation. Multiple stressors compound their vulnerability.

What You Can Do

Eliminate single-use plastic from your lifestyle
Support beach lighting ordinances during turtle nesting season
Donate to leatherback conservation programs
Advocate for bycatch reduction measures in longline fisheries