As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we are shining a spotlight on our recovery efforts to reduce bycatch to protect and conserve sea turtles.
Sea turtles are a key part of marine ecosystems worldwide, but they face many threats today. NOAA works to protect and conserve six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters. All are threatened or endangered.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement recently partnered with federal and state enforcement agencies to protect sea turtles in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
New federal funds will be available through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for organizations involved in sea turtle stranding response and rehabilitation.
Representatives from more than 160 countries adopted a total of 46 proposals and reached 365 decisions—a record number—to help regulate international trade of vulnerable species.
The Fishing Around Seals and Turtles (FAST) program provides guidance on what to do if an accidental interaction occurs, including helpful tips to avoid snagging a sea turtle.
This Sea Turtle Week, we talk with Barbara Schroeder, National Sea Turtle Coordinator, about bycatch innovations that are helping sea turtles thrive and how we work with fishermen to reduce bycatch.