Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015
Loggerhead turtle
Photo by SC DNR
Caretta caretta
Contributors (2005): Sally Murphy and DuBose
Griffin [SCDNR]
Reviewed and Edited (2013): DuBose Griffin
(SCDNR)
DESCRIPTION
Taxonomy and Basic Description
The loggerhead was described by Linnaeus (1758) and named Testudo caretta. Over the next
two centuries more than 35 names were applied to the species (Dodd 1988), but there is now
general agreement on Caretta caretta as the valid name. The carapace, head scales, and dorsal
scales of the flippers of adult and juvenile loggerheads are reddish-brown. The plastron, neck,
ventral surface of the flippers and margins of the head scales are yellow, but with some variation.
Adult loggerheads in the southeastern United States (US) have a mean straight carapace length of
92 cm (36.2 in.) and weigh about 113 kg (249 lbs.; NMFS &USFWS 1991).
Hatchlings lack the reddish tinge and vary from light to
dark brown dorsally. Both pairs of flippers are dark
brown and have distinct white margins. The plastron and
other ventral surfaces are a dull tan. Hatchlings have
three dorsal keels and two plastral keels. The mean
straight carapace length is about 45 mm (1.8 in.); juvenile
loggerheads weight about 20 g (0.7 oz.) (NMFS &
Photo by Jim Richardson USFWS 1991).
Status
Globally, loggerhead sea turtle populations are considered to be in decline (NMFS & USFWS
2007), and are listed as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and as Threatened or Endangered under the
United States of America Endangered Species Act, depending on the distinct population segment
(DPS, Federal Register 22 September 2011). The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists loggerhead sea turtles in CITES
Appendix 1. The US Loggerhead Recovery Team established five recovery units (possibly six,
Shamblin et al. 2011) for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS because loggerheads (1) are a wide
ranging species, (2) have multiple populations, and (3) have varying ecological pressures and
differing threats in different parts of their range. The Northern Recovery Unit (loggerheads
nesting in Georgia (GA), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC) and Virginia (VA)) is an
order of magnitude smaller than the Peninsular Florida Recovery Unit.
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Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015
POPULATION SIZE AND DISTRIBUTION
The Northern Recovery Unit is the second largest recovery unit in the US. Annual nest totals
from northern beaches averaged 5,125 nests from 1989 - 2008, representing approximately 1,272
nesting females per year (NMFS & USFWS 2008). SC nesting effort represents over 65% of the
Northern Recovery Unit. However, the Northern Recovery Unit nesting population showed a
significant declining trend of 1.3% annually from 1983-2008 (NMFS & USFWS 2008), although
recent trends indicate that decreasing nest counts may be stabilizing (GADNR, NCWRC &
SCDNR unpublished data).
Research by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) indicates that juvenile
loggerheads in coastal waters off GA, SC and northern Florida are more abundant by an order of
magnitude than they were in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s (Maier et al. 2004).
HABITAT AND NATURAL COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS
Adult females inhabit coastal waters during the nesting season, from mid May to mid August;
during this time they are not feeding. After nesting, females migrate to foraging areas both north
and south of their nesting beaches. The predominate pattern for SC females is to move to the
Mid-Atlantic Bight until November and then return south of Cape Hatteras, NC during winter.
In spring, they return to their
same foraging area as the
previous season. They repeat this
until it is time for their breeding
migration back to the nesting
beach (Hawkes et al. 2011;
SCDNR unpublished data).
Loggerhead turtles nest on ocean
beaches within the continental
US from Texas to VA. Major
nesting concentrations are found
on the coastal islands of GA, NC
and SC, and on the Atlantic and
Gulf coasts of Florida. Nests are
typically made between the high
tide line and the primary dune Darkened areas represent federal, state and private protected nesting beaches.
front (NMFS & USFWS 1991). Percent of nesting for each section of coast from 1995 to 1997 is also shown.
Three smaller protected areas, rarely used for nesting, are not included.
Juveniles from the various recovery units mix on foraging grounds, which include estuarine,
neritic, and continental shelf waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern seaboard. Juveniles, 40
to 91 cm (15.7 to 35.8 in.) in length are found in SC on a seasonal basis from early April to early
November (NMFS & USFWS 1991).
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Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015
CHALLENGES
Because of their highly migratory behavior, conservation efforts for loggerhead populations in
one country and/or state may be offset by activities in another.
Major challenges faced by loggerheads include loss or degradation of nesting habitat from sea
level rise, erosion, coastal development, and beach armoring, although beach armoring is no
longer allowed in SC. Of the 303 km (188.3 mi.) of coastline in SC, about 70% is suitable
nesting habitat (Hopkins-Murphy et al. 1999). Of the 30% that is not suitable, two-thirds of it is
the Grand Strand in Horry County. The other third is a combination of natural eroding beaches
and previously built sea walls. Even if a suitable sandy beach is available, nesting can be aborted
because of beach furniture and equipment blocking access to nest sites. Beach vitex (Vitex
rotundifolia), an exotic introduced plant, has the potential to quickly cover the dunes, making
them unsuitable for loggerhead nesting (R. Westbrooks pers. comm.).
Climate change is a potential threat to sea turtles as it may affect these species in three ways: (1)
loss of dry sand beaches to sea level rise or inundation of existing nests (Daniels et al. 1993; Fish
et al. 2005; Baker et al. 2006); (2) lethal high temperatures within the nest that would cause
egg/hatchling mortality or decrease hatchling fitness; or (3) a female biased sex ratio of
hatchlings due to increased nest temperatures (Glen and Mrosovsky 2004). Sea turtles, like some
other reptiles, have temperature-dependent sex determination (TDSD) with higher temperatures
favoring the development of female offspring and lower temperatures favoring males (Spotila
2004). Foraging grounds in the marine environment may also be affected as sea water
temperatures and acidification increase.
Uninformed visitors using flashlights at night can cause females to avoid certain areas while
beachfront lighting disorients hatchlings. Excessive predation by native and non-native
predators, as well as erosion and storm events, destroy nests (NMFS & USFWS 1991). Feral
hogs and coyotes are reproducing and destroying loggerhead and bird nests as well as negatively
impacting the maritime forest community on some coastal islands (NMFS & USFWS 1991).
Killing of adult loggerheads is rare, but human poaching of turtle nests with clandestine markets
for eggs may continue to be a problem (NMFS & USFWS 1991).
Another major impact on all sea turtles results from incidental take from commercial fishing
operations. In a 1990 study, the National Academy of Sciences estimated that between 5,000
and 50,000 loggerheads were killed annually by the shrimping fleet in the southeastern Atlantic
and Gulf of Mexico (National Research Council 1990). Other trawl fisheries are known to
capture sea turtles, but capture rates are currently not available. In SC, these fisheries include:
blue crab, whelk, and cannonball jellyfish. Although incidental take has decreased in recent
years, this continues to be a major problem for sea turtles. The shark longline fishery, which
operates all year long off the south Atlantic, may impact loggerheads in the neritic environment
(Lewison et al. 2004). Loggerheads have been found entangled in a wide variety of materials
including fishing line, crap pot lines, rope, onion sacks, and discarded netting (NMFS & USFWS
1991). They also ingest many types of marine pollution and debris, resulting in gut blockage
(NMFS & USFWS 1991). Vessel interaction has become more prevalent. During 2011, 31% of
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Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015
stranded sea turtles had wounds indicating vessel interaction (SCDNR unpublished data).
Natural mortality factors include predation by large sharks, disease, and parasites (NMFS &
USFWS 1991).
Degradation of foraging habitat by physical damage occurs when there is trawling over live
bottoms. Clam dredges can cause similar damage in the more offshore areas. Over-harvesting of
prey species, such as horseshoe crabs and whelks, can deprive loggerheads of their food
resource, resulting in longer remigration intervals between nesting (Bjorndal 1997). Data on the
quantity and quality of foraging habitat is scarce.
CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Some conservation accomplishments achieved for this species span a regional scale by federal
agencies while others were made locally in South Carolina (Hopkins-Murphy 1987). The Sea
Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) was established in 1980 to document the
number of sea turtle carcasses that wash ashore. Nest protection projects were established along
the South Carolina coast from 1981 to the present to increase hatchling productivity (Hopkins-
Murphy et al. 1999). Over 70% of the nests laid in SC are under nest protection management and
achieve at least a 60% hatching success (Hopkins-Murphy et al. 1999). Statewide aerial beach
surveys were flown from 1980 to 2007 to provide a standard index for monitoring the nesting
population (Hopkins-Murphy et al. 2001). More recently, a regional genetics research project
conducted by state sea turtle coordinators in GA, NC and SC in collaboration with the University
of Georgia is answering critical reproductive biological questions.
The loggerhead turtle was designated the State Reptile of SC in 1988 (Act # 588, June 1, 1988).
South Carolina became the first state to enact Turtle Excluder Device (TED) regulations in 1988.
Federal regulations requiring TEDs in all waters, at all times came into effect in 1991. In 1991,
South Carolina also became the first state to require the US Army Corps of Engineers to restrict
hopper dredge channel maintenance to the winter months. South Carolina became the first state
to enlarge TED openings in 2002. Federal regulations requiring larger TED openings came into
effect in 2003. The US Fish and Wildlife Service produced and distributed large “Lights Out”
signs that were erected on roadways leading to beaches. Volunteers have also produced
numerous articles to inform beach residents and visitors about the necessity to have lights out
during the nesting and hatching seasons.
In 2005, through a partnership of resources of NOAA Fisheries, SCDNR’s Environmental
Education Program and the SC Department of Education, all public schools in this state have
been provided copies of the interactive DVD “Journey of the Loggerhead.” Additionally, the
South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program (SCA), which was begun in 2000, has
successfully treated and released 100 sea turtles back to the wild (as of December 2012).
SCDNR partners with the SCA staff on conservation projects and educational outreach.
Currently, Endangered Species Act Section 6 funding from both the US Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service provides program support for the SCDNR
Marine Turtle Conservation Program.
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Supplemental Volume: Species of Conservation Concern SC SWAP 2015
CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS
• Protect any remaining significant loggerhead nesting beaches that are still threatened with
development through fee simple purchase or conservation easement (i.e. Bay Point).
• Continue to work with partners to model sea level rise with loggerhead nesting beaches in
SC.
• Establish partnerships to determine the quantity and quality of foraging habitat.
• Ensure that important nesting beaches destroyed by storm events are restored.
Collaborate with the US Army Corps of Engineers to complete beach restoration projects.
• Reduce feral hog and coyote populations on coastal islands.
• Ensure that predator control is conducted on important loggerhead nesting beaches.
• Consider establishing Marine Protected Areas based on satellite telemetry data of adult
female loggerheads on resident foraging areas. This should be done in collaboration with
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Fisheries Management Councils and
relevant states.
• Increase education of boaters to raise awareness of sea turtles in our coastal waters.
• Collaborate with other states in the southeast on projects to determine the cause(s) of the
increase in emaciated loggerheads that stranded in recent years.
• Ensure existing surveys that are providing a standardized index to the population are
adequately funded.
• Continue to publicize and promote the “Lights Out” efforts and enlist the assistance of
electric utility companies when necessary.
• Maintain and improve the SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program web page.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
As research and management needs are identified, we will initiate projects to address those
needs. This was done previously with TED opening sizes when they were found to be too small.
Also, this is being done now with the management of beach vitex through the establishment of a
Beach Vitex Task Force using funding from a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.
Because there are multiple threats to loggerheads, both on the nesting beaches and at sea, there
are likewise multiple management strategies being implemented to bring about their recovery.
We may not know which ones have been responsible for recovery of the species, should
population numbers on nesting beaches begin to increase. The state will work to implement any
Recovery Plan Tasks where South Carolina is the Responsible Agency.
LITERATURE CITED
Baker, J.D., C.L. Littnan, and D.W. Johnston. 2006. Potential effects of sea level rise on the
terrestrial habitats of endangered and endemic megafauna in the Northwestern Hawaiian
Islands. Endangered Species Research 2:21-30.
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Bjorndal, K.A. 1997. Foraging ecology and nutrition of sea turtles. Pp 199-231. In: The Biology
of Sea Turtles, P. Lutz and J. Musick, eds. Chemical Rubber Company Press. Boca
Raton, Florida. 431 pp.
Daniels, R.C., T.W. White, and K.K. Chapman. 1993. Sea-level rise: destruction of threatened
and endangered species habitat in South Carolina. Environmental Management
17(3):373-385.
Dodd, C.K. Jr. 1988. Synopsis of the biological data on the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta
(Linnaeus 1758). U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological
Report 88(14). 110 pp.
Federal Register. Final Rule. 50 CFR Part 17 (22 September 2011), pp. 58868-58952.
Fish, M.R., I.M. Cote, J.A. Gill, A.P. Jones, S. Renshoff, and A.R. Watkinson. 2005. Predicting
the impact of sea-level rise on Caribbean sea turtle nesting habitat. Conservation Biology
19:482-491.
Glen, F. and N. Mrosovsky. 2004. Antigua revisited: the impact of climate change on sand
and nest temperatures at a hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting beach.
Global Change Biology 10:2036-2045.
Hawkes LA, Witt MJ, Broderick AC, Coker JW, Coyne MS, Dodd M, Frick MG, Godfrey MH,
Griffin DB, Murphy SR, Murphy TM, Williams KL, Godley BJ (2011) Home on the
range: spatial ecology of loggerhead turtles in Atlantic waters of the USA. Divers Distrib
17:624-640
Hopkins-Murphy, S.R. 1987. Sea Turtle Recovery Efforts in the Southeastern United States. Pp
63-71. In: Proceedings of the Third Southeastern Nongame and Endangered Wildlife
Symposium, August 8-10, 1987. Athens, Georgia. 253 pp.
Hopkins-Murphy, S.R., C.P. Hope and M.E. Hoyle. 1999. A History of Research and
Management of the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) on the South Carolina Coast.
Final report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 72 pp.
Hopkins-Murphy, S.R., T.M. Murphy, C.P. Hope, J.W. Coker and M.E. Hoyle. 2001. Population
Trends and Nesting Distribution of the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) in South
Carolina 1980-1997. Final Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 41 pp.
Lewison, R.L., S.A. Freeman and L.B. Crowder. 2004. Quantifying the effects of fisheries on
threatened species: the impact of pelagic longlines on loggerhead and leatherback sea
turtles. Ecology Letters. 7:221-231.
Maier, P.P., A.L. Segars, M.D. Arendt, J.D. Whitaker, B.W. Stender, L. Parker, R. Vendetti,
D.W. Owens, J. Quattro and S. R. Murphy. 2004. Development of an index of sea turtle
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abundance based upon in-water sampling with trawl gear. Final Project Report to
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Grant Number NA07FL0499. 86 pp.
National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Loggerhead
sea turtle (Caretta caretta), 5-year review: summary and evaluation . NOAA NMFS,
Washington, DC.
National Marine Fisheries Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Recovery plan
for the Northwest Atlantic population of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), second
revision. National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, MD
National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Recovery Plan for
U.S. Population of Loggerhead Turtle. National Marine Fisheries Service, Washington,
D.C. 64 pp.
National Research Council. 1990. Decline of the sea turtles: causes and prevention. National
Academy Press. Washington, D.C. 259 pp.
Shamblin BM, Dodd MG, Bagley DA, Ehrhart LM, Tucker AD, Johnson C, Carthy RR,
Scarpino RA, McMichael E, Addison DS, Williams KL, Frick MG, Ouellette S, Meylan
AB, Godfrey MH, Murphy SR, Nairn CJ (2011) Genetic structure of the southeastern
United States loggerhead nesting aggregation: evidence of additional structure within the
peninsular Florida recovery unit. Mar. Biol. 158:571-587.\
Spotila, James R. 2004. Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and
Conservation. The Johns Hopkins University Press.
