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Species:

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)—Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)—Threatened

Current Status:

Both the green and loggerhead sea turtles are threatened by development of nesting beaches and incidental capture by commercial fishing industries. The green sea turtle is also threatened by disease (large and numerous external and internal fibroid tumors). The cause of these tumors is unknown. High incidence rates of tumors (20 percent of turtles examined) have been noted in both Florida and Hawaiian waters. A lesser incidence has been reported from Australian waters.

Achievements:

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge was established in October 1990. As of July 1992, about 40 percent of the proposed refuge lands had been acquired or reserved. Florida has strengthened State regulations that limit structures designed to prevent beach erosion (beach armoring, which may hinder sea turtle nesting) and lights used at night near beaches (lights cause both adult and newly hatched sea turtles to get lost). The Florida Department of Natural Resources has conducted workshops for private, State, and Federal personnel to teach them how to assess sea turtle nesting success. The trained personnel assess the numbers and success of sea turtles nesting on Florida beaches.

Current Recovery Needs:

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge needs to be fully acquired. Protection of nesting beaches and nests on beaches needs to be continued. Measures to protect sea turtles from incidental capture in commercial fisheries need to be implemented and enforced. The cause of the tumor disease needs to be determined.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1991, the Florida Department of Natural Resources received $45,000 for green and loggerhead sea turtle nest monitoring in Brevard County, Florida. In FY 1992, the agency received $30,865 for evaluating beach lighting ordinances.

Partnerships

National Marine Fisheries Service: This Federal agency is responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act to protect sea turtles while they are in their marine habitat.

Florida Department of Natural Resources: This State agency implements regulations designed to protect sea turtles on the beach and in the water, conducts research on various aspects of sea turtle ecology, and oversees research conducted by other agencies or individuals.

Center for Marine Conservation and Caribbean Conservation Corporation: These private organizations help find funding for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, critique measures proposed to protect sea turtles, and seek public support for regulations designed to protect sea turtles.

Recovery Plan Status:

Green sea turtle—original plan approved 9/19/84; revised 11/29/91.

Loggerhead sea turtle—original plan approved 9/19/84; revised 12/26/91.