Many of our national marine sanctuaries are home to a variety of sea turtle species. Sanctuary and NOAA staff eagerly work to learn more about these animals to enhance their protection for future generations. Explore various work of our team from sea turtle and ocean stewardship, the relationship between sea turtles and the marine ecosystem, and more.
Stories from the Blue: 1400 Dives and Counting
Emma Hickerson knows Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary like the back of her hand. She first dove in the sanctuary as an undergraduate student, and used to serve as the sanctuary’s research coordinator. Hickerson has logged hundreds of dives in the Flower Garden Banks and has studied everything from sea turtles to deep-sea ecosystems. This is her story.
Tropical Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Sighted in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Dr. Lindsey Peavey Reeves thought her chapter of studying tropical olive ridley sea turtles in graduate school was over when she began to work as a researcher for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. But in November, local fisherman Steve Escobar spotted one in the Santa Barbara Channel just outside Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. After he snapped a photograph, the turtle quickly dove below the surface. When Escobar texted the image to Reeves, she quickly identified it as an olive ridley.
2022 Field Season Underway for NOAA Turtle and Seal Biologists
NOAA biologists study Hawaiian green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument for four months during the 2022 field season.
Beacon K: Turtle Reef
The Turtle Reef beacon at the northern end of Key Largo is the most northerly beacon in the Florida Keys sanctuary. It was labeled with the alphabetical letter "K" and can be found 3.6 nautical miles east southeast of North Key Largo. Turtle Reef was particularly important to mariners as it marked the entrance to a safe anchorage inside the reef known as Turtle Harbor.
Sea Turtles
What do you know about one of the world's most endangered species?
Seven Sea Turtle Facts for the Ocean Lover
Sea turtles are fascinating creatures. Learn some facts about these much loved marine reptiles.
Sea Turtle Week 2022
Sea turtles are a key part of marine ecosystems worldwide, but they face many threats today. NOAA works to protect and conserve six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters. All are threatened or endangered.
Sea Turtles in Alaska? Yes, We Have Them In the Far North!
Sea turtle species you might encounter in Alaska and steps to protect them.
Sea Turtles in a Sea of Sound
Understanding how sea turtles hear and respond to sound is the first step in understanding the impacts of ocean noise on these protected species.
What Can You Do to Save Sea Turtles?
Learn what actions you can take to help save sea turtles.
The Road to Restoration for Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are irreplaceable. They serve unique ecological roles and are highly valued by the public. They are also vulnerable to threats caused by human activities.
Saving Sea Turtles with Science: Sea Turtle Week
Join us for Sea Turtle Week 2019 and find out how we use science to improve the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered sea turtles.