© 2007 Juan Patino

Scientists have warned that the Pacific leatherback sea turtle may become extinct within 10-30 years if its adult mortality is not drastically reduced.

The highest sources of adult mortality are due to industrialized fishing practices, particularly longlining and gillnetting used to catch swordfish, shark, and tuna. In addition to sea turtles, whales, dolphins, porpoises, sharks, seabirds, otters, marlin and countless fish species also are threatened by these same fishers. These fishing practices must be significantly reformed or halted to save these species and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Join us in our efforts to protect the leatherback in the Pacific. In 2009:

1) Protect leatherbacks from an expansion of Hawaii's longline fisheries

2) Prevent the creation of a U.S. West Coast longline fishery

3) Do not eat swordfish, shark, or fresh tuna and reduce your exposure to mercury

Start today by downloading our US Pacific Sea Turtle Activist Kit!