Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) 5-Year Review : Summary and Evaluation

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources led the 5-year review with input from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The draft document was distributed to NMFS regional offices and science centers and FWS regional and field offices for their review and edits, which were incorporated where appropriate. Our information sources include the final rule listing of this species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); the recovery plans for the U.S. Pacific, and the U.S. Caribbean, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico; peer reviewed scientific publications; unpublished field observations by the Services, State, and other experienced biologists; unpublished survey reports; and notes and communications from other qualified biologists. The public notice for this review was published on October 10, 2012, with a 60-day comment period (77 FR 61573). Commenters submitted information on sea turtle bycatch reduction measures in the Hawaii-based longline fishery, community outreach programs in Papua New Guinea, monitoring and conservation programs in Indonesia, fisheries bycatch, entanglement and ingestion of debris, vessel strikes, and impacts from climate change. Comments received were incorporated as appropriate into the 5-year review.