Sea Turtle SAFE Program Conservation Targets
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE programs bring together AZA institutions with field-based partners and advisors to enhance conservation success for threatened and endangered sea turtles. SAFE initiatives may be focused on a single imperiled species, or a taxonomic group. The STSP is an example of the latter, focusing attention on two of the most critically endangered sea turtles, the Kemp’s ridley and the Eastern Pacific leatherback.
Eastern Pacific Leatherback
The population of leatherback sea turtles, listed globally as vulnerable by the IUCN and endangered by the ESA, is comprised of seven distinct subpopulations referred to as regional management units (RMUs). The Eastern Pacific leatherback (EPL) subpopulation, or RMU, is described as one of the world’s most threatened sea turtle populations. The EPL is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List assessment from 2013. Based upon long-term datasets from major nesting beaches, the EPL subpopulation has experienced an alarming 90% decline in the last three decades.
Kemp’s Ridley
The Kemp’s ridley population is listed as critically endangered throughout its range by the IUCN Red List and endangered by the ESA. Though nesting numbers (both nesting females and nests) have increased dramatically since the low point recorded in the 1980s, the population continues to struggle to achieve recovery goals. The most recent IUCN assessment was conducted in 2019. The species has been assessed as critically endangered since its initial review in the early 1980s.
World Sea Turtle Day Toolkit
Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day on June 16 - and every day - to shine a spotlight on the unique biology, ecology, and conservation needs of sea turtles. The Sea Turtle Safe Program toolkit that is available for program partners and anyone interested in learning more or celebrating sea turtles.
Click here for The World Sea Turtle Day Toolkit
Speaker Series
Learn from renowned sea turtle scientists and conservationists with the Sea Turtle SAFE Program’s speaker series. These webinars are hosted live to celebrate World Sea Turtle Day and more.
Recordings can be viewed on the Sea Turtle SAFE Program’s YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@seaturtlesafeprogram3566
