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Current Status:

The leatherback sea turtle continues to be threatened by development on its sandy beach nesting habitat and poaching of adults and eggs.

Achievements:

Nesting beaches, including those on Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, at Sandy Point, St. Croix, are being monitored and nests are relocated when necessary. These projects are being conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Earthwatch. Sandy Point had a record year for nesting leatherback turtles in 1992. A total of 360 nests were made by 55 females, producing an estimated 17,500 hatchling turtles.

Current Recovery Needs:

Recovery will require continued beach patrolling, law enforcement, and, when necessary, nest relocation.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

The Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife received $35,000 in both FY 1991 and FY 1992 to continue conservation efforts.

Partnerships

National Park Service: This Federal agency protects sea turtle habitat and patrols the beaches used by sea turtles for nesting.

Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife: This agency protects sea turtle habitat and patrols the beaches used by sea turtles for nesting.

Earthwatch: This private organization organizes groups that help monitor the beaches and, when necessary, relocate nests.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 10/23/81; revised 4/6/92.