Strategic plan of actions for the Conservation of Western Pacific Leatherback Turtle Populations and their habitats in the Bismarck Solomon Seas Eco-Region

Abstract

In general, leatherback turtles face serious threats at all life stages, both on the beaches where they nest and hatch and in the water where they spend most of their life time. Sea turtle eggs are collected for food, while in some areas juveniles and adults are hunted for their meat and oil. Habitats that are keys to their survival are rapidly being degraded due to coastal development. They are also killed in great numbers as incidental catch, or by catch, in fisheries. As eggs and hatchlings, turtles are subject to significant predation from introduced predators, such as foxes and wild pigs, as well as natural predators.