![]() ![]() Specifying the location of habitat essential for the conservation of the species helps federal agencies identify where to use their authorities to benefit listed species. Federal agencies are also required to ensure actions they authorize, fund, or carry out do not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Federal agencies are required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries if actions they authorize, fund, or carry out may affect critical habitat. Changes in ocean temperature alter the amount and distribution of food, upsetting their migration, foraging range, and nesting seasons.Ī: Critical habitat includes geographic areas containing features essential for the conservation of a listed species that may require special management considerations or protection. Higher sand temperatures can increase the number of female hatchlings, shifting the ratio of males and females. In-water construction may also block migration or access to nesting beaches.Ĭlimate change also imperils green sea turtles as rising seas and storms erode beaches and flood nests, causing them to wash away. Dredging impacts these food resources and disturbs the rocks, reefs, and troughs where green turtles rest and may result in the direct take of the species. Runoff and other pollution kill seagrass and algae, reducing the availability of these major food sources for green sea turtles. Coastal development impacts the beaches they need to nest and increases artificial lighting, causing hatchlings to migrate toward the lights and away from the ocean. Today, the species faces an array of risks, including threats to its habitat. Q: Why are green sea turtles listed under the ESA?Ī: Historically, green sea turtles were killed for their meat and eggs, leading to global population declines. Only five of these six DPSs have terrestrial critical habitat proposed for designation, whereas all six have marine critical habitat proposed for designation. ![]() 21, 2020, the parties entered into a stipulated settlement agreement that the agencies would submit a proposed critical habitat determination for the six DPSs at issue in the complaint on or before June 30, 2023. The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries were sued on that decision, and on Aug. The 2016 rule did not include the proposed critical habitat, as critical habitat was deemed not determinable at that time. Q: Why is critical habitat being designated for the green sea turtle?Ī: Following a status review of the green sea turtle, a final rule listing 11 distinct population segments was issued in 2016: three DPSs are endangered and eight DPSs are threatened. Reaching up to 4 feet long and weighing as much as 400 pounds, they can live to be 100 years old. The largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles, green sea turtles were first listed under the ESA in 1978. The agencies share jurisdiction of the species protection and recovery with the Service overseeing their protection on land and NOAA Fisheries overseeing their protection in the marine environment. ![]() Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries propose designating critical habitat to protect and recover the green sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas) under the Endangered Species Act. ![]()
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