Leatherbacks

Leatherbacks are found across the globe in temperate and tropical latitudes and are highly migratory.

Pacific leatherbacks face significant threats from entanglement and/or hooking in fisheries (bycatch), direct harvest - including eggs and adults - coastal development, pollution, marine debris, disease and climate change.

Leatherbacks do not have a hard shell like most turtles.

Leatherbacks are the world’s largest turtles. They can grow more than two meters long and weigh more than four-hundred kilograms. But they do not have hard, protective shells like most turtles. Their backs are covered with oily, ribbed skin.