Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Also known as Eretmochelys imbricata
Facts about Hawksbill Turtles!!!!
Adults can Weigh anywhere from 100-200 lbs. Hawksbill Sea Turtle is one of seven species of sea turtles found throughout the world. They can live up until 30 - 50 years old. They are normally found near reefs rich in the sponges they like to feed on. A hawksbill turtle swims just above the seafloor with flippers spread like wings. Hawksbills get their name from their tapered heads, which end in a sharp point resembling a bird's beak. Clutch size varies between 53 and 206 eggs.
The shaded region represents the range of the hawksbill sea turtle in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, this species has only been found in the open ocean. In more tropical environs it is commonly found around reefs and estuaries.
Hawksbills are a critically endangered species
These turtles are endangered due to human impact. Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world and they are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells. These graceful sea turtles are also threatened by accidental capture in fishing nets.
Ways we are trying to stop them from being endangered
- Encourage use of low pressure sodium lighting along beach nesting areas.
- Regular monitoring of hawksbill turtle populations by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
- Bycatch of hawksbill turtles is being reduced by fishing gear modifications changes to fishing practices and closures of certain areas to fishing during nesting and hatching seasons.