The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering new protections for leatherback sea turtle nesting beaches in Puerto Rico, following a petition from several conservation groups. This could lead to the designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, a key step in safeguarding these ancient and endangered species.
The proposal would cover three key nesting sites: California Beach in Maunabo, Tres Hermanos Beach in Añasco, and Playa Grande in Arecibo. Other beaches may also be considered during the federal review process. These sites are among the most important for leatherback nesting in the U.S. and have been protected for years by dedicated community and conservation groups.
This move, called a 90-day finding, is the first stage of a scientific review. If the beaches are designated as critical habitat, federal agencies would be required to avoid damaging or developing those areas, giving the turtles a stronger chance at recovery.
Leatherback sea turtles are the world’s largest sea turtle species and have existed since the time of the dinosaurs. Despite surviving for millions of years, they now face modern threats that are pushing them toward extinction.
Sadly, the Pacific population has declined by over 90% due to fishing gear entanglement, egg poaching, habitat destruction, ocean pollution, vessel strikes, and climate change, all of which have contributed to steep population declines. A recent federal review confirmed that all seven global populations of leatherbacks remain endangered.
Puerto Rico, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to the most critical nesting beaches in U.S. territory. Yet only one beach, Sandy Point in St. Croix, is currently designated as critical habitat. The beaches in Puerto Rico remain unprotected at the federal level, despite their ecological importance.
Community-led conservation efforts have been crucial in monitoring and preserving these beaches. Groups like Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas and Yo Amo el Tinglar have tracked nesting data and fought to keep development away from vital nesting grounds like Playa Grande, which remains especially vulnerable to land sales and development.
Studies show that species with federally protected habitat are more than twice as likely to recover as those without it. Protecting these nesting sites could play a major role in the long-term survival of leatherbacks in the Atlantic.
The federal review marks a promising step forward, but real progress will rely on the results of the habitat designation process and the ongoing support of the public in safeguarding these gentle ocean giants.
