Leatherback turtle
16 August 2010
The huge leatherback turtle, which feeds mainly on jellyfish, is listed as Critically Endangered. Populations all over the world have crashed to worryingly low levels. People are often surprised to learn that a marine turtle which breeds on tropical beaches in the Caribbean can be found off English coasts. Yet recent research has shown they are regular visitors to our seas.
Leatherback turtle © Tom Langton
Latin name: Dermochelys coriacea
Population numbers:
Very difficult to estimate in English seas as this species is so elusive. Around 15 animals are reported per year, and many more must go unreported.
Where to see and when:
Turtle sightings in English waters occur from June to November, with most seen in August. Most are seen off the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, but sightings are extremely rare.
What’s being done:
The Marine Conservation Society, along with partners including Natural England, has produced a “Turtle Code”. This advises sea users how to deal with turtle encounters. Sadly some turtles become entangled in fishing gear, so the code gives clear advice on how to help. Natural England part-funds a project run by Marine Environmental Monitoring to collate all sightings and strandings, which are now publicly available on the NBN Gateway. Dead turtles are subject to post-mortem examination, where possible, to help understand causes of death. Publicity campaigns encourage English tourists to act responsibly when visiting turtle nesting beaches overseas. Research is trying to better understand the status of leatherback turtles in English waters; intriguingly, there is increasing evidence that turtles use our waters to feed on massive jellyfish aggregations.
More information:
