Marine turtles are long-lived, late-maturing and highly migratory. Only about one in 5,000 hatchlings live to adulthood. Three of four sea turtle species are now listed as endangered. Coastal development and human exploitation contribute to loss of habitat and nesting sites. Illegal international trade seriously threatens wild populations of many marine turtle species, particularly the hawksbill turtle. Floating debris and water pollution also contribute to mortality, as does international commercial fishing and inadvertent capture. Sea turtles face growing pressure from strong demand for its meat and shells. Poaching and egg harvesting are further pushing this slow-growing reptile to extinction. Because marine turtles are flagship species for the ecosystems in which they live, sustaining healthy populations of marine turtles provides benefits to many other species of wildlife, including many that are either threatened or endangered.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.872 - WILD Act (116th Congress)
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA)