1. Leatherbacks were listed as endangered in 1970. However...
   Human poaching remains an issue. In some countries the slaughter of nesting females for their meat, out of ignorance or economic necessity, continues, as dose the harvest of sea turtle eggs, which are believed to be aphrodisiac.

2. Human development threatens many important nesting beaches. Leatherbacks will only select dark, secluded, loose-sanded beaches as a turtle nursery. Streetlights, campfires, house lights and flashlights scare turtles away and prevents them from laying their precious cargo of sea turtle eggs. Lights also confuse and disorient baby sea turtles.

3. Human commerce and refuse threaten sea turtle populations. Sea turtles are at high risk of drowning as a result of entanglement in fishing nets and other marine debris. Their need to surface to breathe also results in frequent injury and death from contact with boats and propellers.

   Leatherbacks are attracted to floating plastic bags and balloon clusters, which they mistake for their favorite food, jellyfish. The shredded plastic and rubber remain undigested their stomachs, and eventually kills them. The loss of every breeding adult is serious in such a small breeding community.

 5 Things YOU Should KNOW... 

4. Hire a local guide when you go turtle watching; they know where turtle will be nesting and how to prevent stress to turtles when they are found. Hiring a guide enhances your visit, and helps provide local conservation jobs.

5. Nesting turtles prefer dark quiet beaches; avoid strong flashlights, fires, flash photography, loud noises, and even light-colored clothing. Keep the use of flashlights to an absolute minimum, and preferably cover them with red cellophane.

6. Maintain a respectful distance when turtle watching. Approach turtles only AFTER they have left the water and have COMPLETED digging their nest, or AFTER your guide says it's safe to do so. Approaching them may spook and frighten them away. Stand behind and out of sight.

   When leatherbacks begin to lay their billiard ball size sea turtle eggs they go into a trance like state. Only at this time can you get closer without disturbing or stressing the animals.

7. Do not walk on known sea turtle nests; this compacts the sand and makes it more difficult for baby sea turtles to "swim" to the surface. Only 1 in 1,000 baby sea turtles live long enough to make it back to Trinidad's nesting beaches as an adult.

8. Dress warmly when you go turtle watching, prevailing wind can make nights quite cool. Wear dark colored clothing, long pants, comfortable shoes, and don't forget your insect repellent.

 8 Things YOU Can DO... 

9. Choose Sea Turtle Conservation sites to visit, rather than just any beach where sea turtles nest. Visiting conservation sites encourages communities to protect endangered sea turtle populations.

10. Never throw trash into the sea, or dispose of it where it can end up in the sea. And don't release helium filled balloons, many of which find the way into rivers and streams that eventually lead to the ocean.

11. Participate in beach clean-ups, and remove all trash from beaches, even if it isn't yours.

12. Do a presentation on leatherback sea turtles at your school to raise awareness, and encourage your friends to go turtle watching.

13. Don't drive vehicles on known sea turtle nesting beaches during turtle watching season, or stake beach umbrellas into the sand. These activities damage sea turtle eggs and kill baby sea turtles.

14. Don't purchase sea turtle products at home or when on vacation, doing so encourages the slaughter of sea turtles.

15. Only eat seafood caught with turtle friendly gear, preferably trolling with hook and line. When you order seafood at a restaurant ask your server how it was caught.

16. Become a volunteer or make a donation to local sea turtle conservation organizations like Nature Seekers, who create jobs in local seaside communities, educate the public about the plight of leatherbacks and other sea turtle populations, and actively work towards protecting nesting turtles on important turtle nursery beaches.