U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Critical Habitat Protection for Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Loggerhead sea turtles range far and wide across U.S. waters. Now, the endangered species may be receiving some more protection from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency has announced that it wants to name beaches in six states as critical sea turtle nesting habitat.

Loggerhead turtles are actually the most abundant of all marine turtle species in U.S. waters. Yet their populations have continued to decline due to pollution, shrimp trawling and development of their nesting sites. While they seem to prefer coastal habitats, they will sometimes frequent inland water bodies and will travel hundreds of miles out to sea. The largest of all hard-shelled turtles, the endangered species can reach up to three feet in shell length and weigh up to 250 pounds.

One of the greatest threats to these turtles isn't found in the ocean, though. Instead, it's found on land when baby sea turtles are hatching. Artificial lighting can confuse the hatchlings and cause them to wander landward instead of into the ocean. This has major implications for hatchling survival.

The newest announcement includes 90 nesting beaches in coastal counties in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. In total, the plan would encompass an area that stretches for 740 miles and includes 84 percent of nesting sites within the listed states.

If you're worried about being able to go to the beach, though, never fear. Since the turtles are already protected under the Endangered Species Act, this latest proposal would have a negligible impact on both beach use and access.

"Identifying this habitat will help us work with coastal communities to protect loggerhead nests and ensure that more hatchlings reach the water and being their lives at sea," said Cindy Dohner, FWS Southeast Regional Director, in a press release, according to Florida Today. "Through this action, we are taking a step to draw attention to important habitats needed to support the recovery of this magnificent species."

Currently, the agency is seeking both information and comments from stakeholders and the general public. Want to submit your own comment? You can do so here with Docket Number FWS-R4-ES-2012-0103.