Human Impact
- Humans have had many impacts on Leatherback Sea Turtles, and they are listed as an endangered species. Many human’s tampering with LSTs nests and their eggs has decreased the number of LSTs that make it to adulthood. The way that humans tamper with nests are numerous. People that leave lights on can disorient turtles, which can prevent a mother from laying her eggs, or prevent new hatchlings from making it to the ocean. The sand may be compacted and affect the new hatchlings because of overuse by humans. Off-road vehicles may compact sand, kill the hatchlings, or their tracks may prevent them from making it to the ocean. Also, fishing nets, boats, and trash have beached turtles, or killed them. Many objects such as trash bags show a strong resemblance to jellyfish, so sometimes turtles will eat trash thinking they’re jellyfish. Regardless of how, humans are impacting Leatherback Sea Turtles.