NOAA Fisheries recently observed Sea Turtle Week (June 9–16), raising awareness about the importance of protecting these vital members of marine ecosystems worldwide.
Swimming in Earth’s oceans for tens of millions of years, sea turtles lead incredible lives. They migrate across oceans and survive for many decades at sea. They can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles in search of food. Females eventually return to the beaches where they were born to nest.
As key parts of marine ecosystems worldwide, sea turtles face many threats and the six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters and all are threatened or endangered. During Sea Turtle Week, NOAA highlights these marine reptiles and their work to conserve them.
Most Sea Turtles Rebounding Worldwide as Conservation Efforts Protect Nests and Habitat, Analysis Finds
Once decimated by overhunting and habitat loss, sea turtles have persevered with new protections and conservation efforts. Their populations are now rebounding even as oceans change, a new review has found.
Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Shake It Off, Recover in Mississippi
Nearly 80 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles—each named for a Taylor Swift song—were transported from New England to rehabilitation facilities on the Gulf coast. Before being released, cold-stunned sea turtles are rehabilitated and brought back to health.
