Sea Turtle Threats

Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered due to human actions and lifestyles. 

The biggest threats include:

• Entanglement in fishing gear
• Poaching and illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells
• Coastal development
• Plastic and other marine debris
• Global warming
• Ocean pollution

Global Status

The world's seven sea turtle species are classified as follows according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:

Leatherbacks: Vulnerable

Greens: Endangered

Loggerheads: Endangered

Hawksbills: Critically Endangered

Olive Ridleys: Vulnerable

Kemp's Ridleys: Critically Endangered

Flatbacks: Data Deficient

IUCN Definitions:

Critically Endangered: Species is considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered: Species is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. 

Vulnerable: Species is considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Data Deficient: Species that cannot be evaluated because of insufficient information.

What is SEE Turtles?

We protect sea turtles through conservation travel and volunteer tours, educational programs, and Billion Baby Turtles. We're a project of the Oceanic Society, America's first non-profit dedicated to protecting the ocean. Contact us for more information about sea turtle threats. 

Photo credits: Neil Ever Osborne

Help Save Sea Turtles

• Join a Sea Turtle Volunteer Trip
• Donate to save baby turtles
• Keep plastic out of the ocean