In response to years of work by the Center for Biological Diversity and our allies, the National Marine Fisheries Service has now proposed to protect more than 70,000 square miles of ocean waters off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington as critical habitat for the endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle. If the proposal is finalized, it would be the first critical habitat ever designated for sea turtles in open ocean waters off the continental United States.

This proposal is great news -- a major step forward in pulling this species back from the brink of extinction. Still, more needs to be done if we are to save the leatherback. The Service's proposal irrationally excludes key areas of ocean habitat and overlooks commercial fishing gear as a threat to the turtle's survival.

Act now to support strong, comprehensive habitat protections for the leatherback sea turtle by sending a letter to the Fisheries Service.

Click here to find out more and take action.

Source: Center for Biological Diversity