Loggerhead Turtle
Common Name: Loggerhead Turtle
Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
Description: During their first years of life, North Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) inhabit extremely stochastic environments. The duration and path of the journey undertaken by loggerhead hatchlings from western Atlantic nesting beaches (principally eastern Florida) to eastern Atlantic foraging areas are determined largely by chance. Younger age classes then spend several years associated with Sargassum drift lines, convergences, eddies and rings in the North Atlantic gyre. Consequently, juvenile loggerheads are commonly observed in OSPAR Region V. Region IV is also of relevance as range for the species being the eastern edge of the passive migration flow of hatchlings and juveniles with the Gulf Stream and its meanders.
OSPAR Regions where it occurs: IV, V
OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in Decline: IV, V
OSPAR's new indicator assessment: marine litter ingested by sea turtles
What is the latest status of the feature?
The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.
Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List? |  | |
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking? |  |  |
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR? |  |
