Leatherback Turtles are endangered!
By Lauren Chandarana
Information about Leatherback Turtles
The Leatherback Turtle is also known by scientists as Dermochelys Coriacea. These unique sea turtles are the largest ever known. An adult can way up to 2,000 pounds, the equivalent to one ton, and be 6.5 feet long!
Their diet consists of soft-bodied animals, like jellyfish. The Leatherbacks are the only sea turtles that don't have a hard and bony shell.
Leatherback in the ocean
Leatherback compared to a human to show size!
Where are they found and why are they endangered?
Leatherbacks are found along the east coast of North Carolina, in the Atlantic Ocean. They are endangered because of may reasons. They can get trapped in fishnets and debris, pollution and contamination, and the harvesting of Leatherbacks and their eggs. Leatherbacks are protected by six laws, and NOAA Fisheries are working with shrimp trawl fishing industries to ensure that no debris are left behind.