California OKs new protections for leatherback sea turtles
ABC News
California has added the Pacific leatherback sea turtle to its endangered species list
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California has added the Pacific leatherback sea turtle to its endangered species list, guaranteeing more protections for a rapidly dwindling population.
The California Fish and Game Commission voted Thursday to add the turtles under the state's Endangered Species Act.
The world's largest turtle species have been on the federal endangered species list since 1973. But scientists now know more about how crucial California is to their survival, according to Catherine Kilduff, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity.
A subpopulation of leatherback sea turtles hatch on beaches in Indonesia. Once fully grown, they swim nearly 6,000 miles (9,656 kilometers) to eat jellyfish off the California coast. Adult leatherback sea turtles weigh an average of 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms).