NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service propose new critical habitat for green sea turtles
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Today, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to designate new areas of critical habitat to protect threatened and endangered green sea turtles. The agencies share jurisdiction for sea turtles, with the Fish and Wildlife Service overseeing their protection and recovery on nesting beaches and NOAA Fisheries providing oversight in the marine environment.
The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes designating 8,870 acres (approximately 35.896 square kilometers) of critical habitat on land where green sea turtles bask, nest, incubate, hatch and travel to the sea. NOAA Fisheries proposes to designate marine critical habitat from mean high water to 20 meters depth to protect access to nesting beaches, migratory corridors and important feeding and resting areas; it also includes Sargassum habitat in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Green sea turtles continue to face threats in the marine environment, including human interactions like bycatch and marine debris, as well as habitat loss and the ongoing impacts of climate change, said NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit. These new critical habitat proposals will aid in our joint mission to protect and recover endangered and threatened green sea turtles.
Designating critical habitat for green sea turtles will help us effectively carry out our mission of protecting and recovering the species, said Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. Endangered Species Act protections are benefiting the species by raising awareness about its threats, inspiring diverse partnerships on its behalf, and now helping conserve habitat critical to its conservation and recovery.
The proposed critical habitat areas include the states of California, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina and Texas; the territories of American Samoa, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands; and the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. Details on the proposed critical habitat can be found in the Fish and Wildlife Services Frequently Asked Questions.
Designating critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) does not affect private landowners unless they implement an action involving federal funds, permits or other activities. It also does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness reserve or preserve, or other conservation areas, nor does it allow the government or public to access private lands. It does not create a closed area, marine protected area, refuge, wilderness reserve, preservation or other conservation area.
A final rule listing 11 distinct population segments (DPSs) of green sea turtles was issued in 2016 (three endangered DPSs and eight threatened DPSs). The 2016 rule did not include the proposed critical habitat as it was deemed not determinable at that time. Once critical habitat is designated, federal agencies must consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries to ensure actions they fund, authorize or undertake will not destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat. Much of the proposed critical habitat for the green sea turtle overlaps with existing critical habitat for other species. Please visit the Fish and Wildlife Services online mapping tool offsite link and NOAA Fisheries online mapping tool offsite link for more information on those overlapping areas and species.
Historically, green sea turtles were killed for their meat and eggs, leading to global population declines. Today, the species faces an array of risks, including threats to its habitat. Coastal development impacts the beaches they require to nest and increases artificial lighting, causing hatchlings to migrate to the lights and away from the ocean. Runoff and other pollution kill seagrass and algae, reducing the availability of these major food sources for green sea turtles. Fisheries bycatch, vessel strikes, marine debris and pollutants also continue to threaten green sea turtles.
Climate change also imperils green sea turtles as rising seas and storms erode beaches and flood nests, causing them to wash away. Higher sand temperatures can increase the number of female hatchlings, shifting the ratio of males and females. Changes in ocean temperature alter the amount and distribution of food, upsetting their migration, foraging range and nesting seasons.
NOAA Fisheries and the Fish and Wildlife Service listed the green sea turtle under the ESA in 1978. Todays announcement comes as the ESA turns 50 this year. Throughout the year, the ESA is being celebrated for its importance in preventing imperiled species extinction, promoting the recovery of wildlife and conserving the habitats upon which they depend.
The Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries will conduct virtual and in-person informational meetings and public hearings on the proposed critical habitat. Registration is only required for virtual meetings and hearings. Please visit one of the following websites to register:
- Virtual meetings covering habitat in Hawaiiand the Atlantic: https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/green-sea-turtle-meetings-hearings
- Virtual meeting covering habitat in Southern California: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/critical-habitat-green-sea-turtles
Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted by Oct. 17, 2023. Submit comments at www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS-R4-ES-2022-0164 for the proposed terrestrial critical habitat; and under docket number NOAA-NMFS-2023-0087 for the proposed marine critical habitat.
Visit the NOAA Fisheries and Fish and Wildlife Service websites for more information about green sea turtles.
Squirrels are a common sight in Westchester County, NY, but they can cause significant damage to homes and properties. As the weather begins to warm up and squirrels become more active, residents need to be aware of the potential risks and take measures to protect their homes. Squirrels are known to chew on wood, wiring, and other materials in homes, which can lead to costly repairs. They can also damage gardens, lawns, and bird feeders while searching for food. Squirrels can even cause power outages by chewing on electrical wires. In addition to physical damage, squirrels can also create significant health hazards. Their droppings can carry dangerous bacteria and parasites that can cause serious illnesses, such as salmonella and leptospirosis. To prevent damage from squirrels, it is important to seal all possible entry points to your home, such as gaps in roofs or siding, and to keep all food sources out of reach. It is also recommended to trim tree branches away from your home to prevent squirrels from gaining access to your roof. Residents of Westchester County are urged to take these precautions to protect their homes and families from the potential dangers of squirrels. For more information on squirrel control and removal, please contact the professionals at PinnacleWildlifeControl.com.Pinnacle Wildlife Control Identifies Squirrel Dangers to Homes, Properties and Health in Westchester County, NY
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