New Global Assessment Reveals Hope for Marine Turtles, Highlights Urgent Need for Continued Action

The new study, conducted by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG), reveals that decades of ongoing conservation efforts have improved the status of the majority of marine turtle populations around the world.

Published in Endangered Species Research, Updated global conservation status and priorities for Marine Turtles, the multi-year study evaluated 48 sea turtle populations across six species globally, and convened nearly 150 MTSG experts from 50 countries to assess risks, threats, and conservation capacity. Remarkably, results show that threats have declined for the majority of sea turtle populations. Over 40% of marine turtle populations are now considered by the MTSC as Low Risk-Low Threat, up from just 23% in 2011, a promising sign that marine turtle conservation efforts are yielding positive impacts in many places.  

“This work demonstrates the profound impact of local conservation efforts around the world, it reflects the dedication of countless individuals and organizations who have worked on the ground and in the water to protect these ancient and iconic mariners,” said Bryan Wallace, lead author of the study.

However, the findings also underscore the critical need for sustained action. For example, the study found that fisheries bycatch is the most pressing threat to sea turtles worldwide, alongside other risks such as coastal development, ocean pollution (especially plastics), climate change, and direct take of turtles and their eggs.

Geographic Disparities and Vulnerable Populations

Among the conclusions, the authors determined that nine sea turtle populations, primarily in the Pacific Ocean, were categorized by the MTSG ranking as High Risk-High Threat, signaling the urgent need for targeted interventions in the Pacific. In contrast, many populations in the Atlantic Ocean were scored as Low Risk-Low Threat. Moreover, the study showed that leatherbacks—the largest and most widely-ranging of the world’s seven species of sea turtles—stand out as being particularly imperiled. Leatherbacks were determined to have the highest combined risk and threat scores of all the sea turtle populations in the study. 

“Overall, this is excellent news that decades of sea turtle conservation have paid off. But, at the same time, it is a call to action and a reminder that we must keep up the work we have been doing, and redouble our efforts for the most threatened populations. We need more financing, stronger collaboration, and increased conservation capacity, particularly in areas that are important for sea turtles and also face socio-economic challenges.” said Roderic Mast, co-chair of the MTSG and president of Oceanic Society.

Hope Through Action

While the study paints a hopeful picture for many sea turtle populations, it is also clear that important challenges still remain. Enhanced fisheries management, international cooperation, and sustained investment in community-led research and conservation are critical to ensuring the survival of sea turtle populations and healthy oceans for generations to come.

To empower stakeholders and the public to use the results from this study, the authors have launched an interactive data dashboard at seaturtlestatus.org/cpp-dashboard. 

“This user-friendly online tool provides detailed insights into the status of all the sea turtle populations addressed in the study,” said Ashleigh Bandimere, manager of the sea turtle conservation program at Oceanic Society and co-author of the report. “We hope that it will foster greater global understanding and collaboration in support of conservation efforts on-the-ground.”

“We know that conservation works, particularly if collaborative efforts that address relevant threats and build resilience in sea turtle populations are sustained in the long-term. As the turtles have taught us, slow and steady wins the race.” Wallace concluded.

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About the SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group 

The IUCN SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG)  is responsible for providing information on the seven species of marine turtles and is regarded as the global authority on marine turtles. MTSG focuses on developing and supporting strategies, setting priorities, and providing tools that promote and guide the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats. The Specialist Group envisions marine turtles fulfilling their ecological roles on a healthy Planet where all Peoples value and celebrate their continued survival.