What Defenders Is Doing to Help Sea Turtles

Over the last decade Defenders of Wildlife has been working tirelessly to protect sea turtle populations and the habitat they desperately depend on for survival. Our legal team has brought suits against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to protect turtles from fishing-related deaths and our Florida sea turtle experts have fought to improve coastal lighting, and prevent development and damaging shoreline armoring projects at some of the most important nesting beaches in Florida.

Visit our Species at Risk: Sea Turtles page to learn more about what Defenders is doing to protect sea turtles.

More on Sea Turtles: What You Can Do to Help Sea Turtles »

Featured Publications

Five Things You Can Do to Save Sea Turtles

Fast Facts

Size: Kemp's Ridley is the smallest sea turtle at 30 inches long (.762m). The largest sea turtle is the leatherback - an adult can reach over six and a half feet long (over 1.8m). Adult female and male sea turtles are the same size.

Weight: Kemp's Ridley weighs between 80-100lbs (36-45 kg). Leatherback can weigh over 2,000 pounds (over 907 kg)

Lifespan: Up to 80 years.

Range Map

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Protection Status

Endangered Species Act: Endangered

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

CITES: Appendix I

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From the Keys and Everglades to the Panhandle’s white sand beaches, Florida is home to some of the country’s most special places and wildlife, but also some of the most imperiled. Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to keeping the Sunshine State a wild and enchanting place.