Loggerhead Turtle

One of the larger species of sea turtles, the loggerhead turtle ranges from 200-400 pounds (90 - 180 kg) and up to 4 feet in length (1.2 meters). They occur throughout temperate and tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

One of the most abundant of the species found in the US, they are named for their large head and strong crushing jaw (right) which enables them to eat hard-shelled prey such as crabs, conchs, and whelks. Learn more about their diet.

Where (and When) to SEE:

Baja California Sur (Mexico): Year-round foraging areas

US Sites: (June - July)

Brazil: Praia do Forte (TAMAR)

Greece: ARCHELON: Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece (March - June)

Oman: Masirah Island (May - August)

Japan: Sea Turtle Association of Japan (May - August)

Australia: Mon Repos (Nov - March)

SEE Turtles Conservation Tours

Facts & Tidbits

One population of these turtles nests in Japan and migrates across the entire Pacific Ocean to the rich feeding grounds off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, where they spend the next several years of their life foraging and maturing.
The first marine creature tracked across an entire ocean was a loggerhead nicknamed “Adelita” (right). She was tracked by a research team led by SEE Turtles co-founder Dr. Wallace J. Nichols.
In the US, most of their nests are laid in Florida, however in the last decade the number of nests in Florida has declined by 40%.
They are listed as Endangered around the world by the IUCN Red List and Threatened in the US.
Their scientific name is Caretta caretta.

Distribution

Loggerheads are found in every ocean around the world. Only leatherbacks have a wider distribution. The largest concentration of nesting occurs on Masirah Island off the coast of Oman in the Middle East. In the Pacific, their main nesting grounds include Japan and Australia. In the Atlantic, the main concentration occurs in Florida. They are the most common species in the Mediterranean, nesting on beaches in Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Libya.

Major Threats

Their biggest threat is incidental capture (also known as “bycatch”) in commercial fishing gear, including trawls, longlines, gillnets, and traps and pots. In the US trawl fishery, devices called TED’s, or Turtle Excluder Devices are required by law. These devices allow sea turtles to escape out of the nets, however in other parts of the world these devices are not regulated and they continue to be caught.

Recent scientific studies co-authored by SEE Turtles co-founder Dr. Nichols have shown the waters off Baja California Sur, Mexico to have among the highest rates of turtle bycatch in the world. In some parts of the world, they are also consumed for their meat and eggs. Beachfront development is also a threat, particularly in the Mediterranean.

Did You Know?

Masirah Island off the coast of Oman in the Middle East has the largest congregation of nesting loggerheads in the world, with an estimated 30,000 nests laid per year.
Loggerheads carry many organisms on their carapace (shell), like barnacles and crabs. Scientists have identified between 50-100 species of plant and invertebrate animals hitching a ride. These hitchhikers are called epibionts.

What is SEE Turtles?

We're a non-profit project that connects travelers and volunteers with sea turtle conservation projects in places that most need the support. Visit our homepage to learn how you can participate.