Historically, Cedar Key, Florida, supported large numbers of green turtles. NMFS is sponsoring 

 a project to determine distribution and species composition in this area. The agency is also 

 conducting research to detemiine similar information about turtles during their pelagic life 

 stages. 



NMFS laboratories are conducting research on sea turtle habitat utilization in the Gulf of 

 Mexico. The project focuses on known sea turtle developmental habitats. Analyses of sea turtle 

 strandings have been conducted to monitor the level of strandings and possible causes of 

 mortality. Research has been conducted on the effects of pollutants on sea turtles. 



NMFS is currently conducting research on the etiology and epidemiology of fibropapillomas in 

 green turtles from Hawaiian waters and the Atlantic. In addition, NMFS is developing an 

 integrated health assessment plan for sea turtles in coastal southeastern U.S. waters. 



RECOVERY GOALS 



The Atlantic population of the green turtle in the United States can be delisted if. over a period of 

 25 years, the following conditions are met: 



1. The level of nesting in Florida has increased to an average of 5,000 nests per year for at 

 least 6 years; 



2. At least 25% (105km) of all available nesting beaches (420km) is in public ownership 

 and encompasses greater than 50% of the nesting activity: 



3. A reduction in mortality is reflected in higher counts of individuals on foraging grounds; 

 and 



4. All priority 1 tasks have been successfully implemented. 



Six major actions are needed to achieve recovery: 



1. Provide long-term protection to important nesting beaches; 



2. Ensure at least 60% success on major nesting beaches; 



3. Implement effective lighting ordinances or lighting plans on nesting beaches; 



4. Determine distribution and seasonal movements for all life stages in marine environment; 



5. Minimize mortality from commercial fisheries; and 



6. Reduce threats to population and habitat from marine pollution. 



