Why are loggerheads endangered?
Since 1983 the population of the Loggerhead Turtle has declined by more than 50%, making it an endangered species. Loggerhead populations have declined from historical levels because of coastline development and disturbance of beaches by human activities such as cleaning, driving, and artificial lighting; collecting eggs; destructive fishing practices; pollution; and the dumping of trash into the ocean. Throughout their life, Loggerheads are exploited as a food source by some cultures and for their shells which are used in some manufacturing processes. They are also harmed and killed by the propellers of high speed boats and the swallowing of discarded rubbish such as plastic bags and fishing lines. In addition, modern day fishing techniques such as trawling for prawns and fish, can cause turtles to become entangled in the nets and drown. The leading cause of loggerhead mortality is drowning in shrimp and fish nets. In 1978, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) began a program
