Status of Listed Species and Recovery Plan Development
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea -- Endangered
Puerto Rico
Current Status:
Adverse impacts from coastal development and poaching continue to threaten the leatherback sea turtle in Puerto Rico.
Achievements:
Monitoring of nesting beaches and relocation of nests are being conducted cooperatively by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, University of Puerto Rico, and Earthwatch. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources has a hatchery project for the turtle, and patrols beaches at Vieques, Humacao, and Pinones. Additionally, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources is making efforts to acquire and protect the coastal area adjacent to a leatherback nesting beach near Fajardo.
Current Recovery Needs:
Continuing recovery needs include beach patrolling and nest relocation when necessary. Additionally, both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources will need to continue to protect the species through law enforcement activities.
Section 6 Funding and Activities:
The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources received $12,000 in FY 1991 and $10,000 in FY 1992 for beach patrolling and the turtle hatchery program.
Partnerships
Department of the Navy: The Navy assists the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources with the hatchery program and beach patrols.Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources: This State agency has programs to protect turtle habitat, patrol nesting beaches, and maintain its turtle hatchery program.
University of Puerto Rico: This university participates in the monitoring of nesting beaches and relocation of nests.
Earthwatch: This private organization is providing support for the leatherback sea turtle nesting project at Culebra Island, Puerto Rico.
Chelonia Society: Another private organization, the Chelonia Society, is providing education on the turtle and protection of turtle habitat.
Recovery Plan Status:
Original plan approved 10/23/81; revised 4/6/92.
