Science Sunday: Leatherback Sea Turtles

LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLES IN THE CALIFORNIA CURRENT
Why Leatherbacks Cross the Pacific

Scott Benson
Research Fishery Biologist, NOAA – Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Marine Turtle Ecology, and Assessment Program

With their immense size and peculiar appearance, leatherback turtles resemble species that inhabited Earth in the distant past. A swimming and diving machine, they are uniquely adapted for life at sea. This ancient mariner is the most widely distributed sea turtle, spanning tropical and subarctic waters worldwide. The endangered western Pacific leatherback turtle engages in the longest migration of any aquatic, air-breathing vertebrate. These turtles travel more than 7,000 miles annually between their western Pacific nesting beaches and their eastern Pacific foraging areas.

Join Scott Benson as he discusses the biology and ecology of leatherback turtles, the current status of the population, challenges to recovery, and the actions we can take to help.

Lectures take place at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at 1 PM.
Doors open to the lecture hall at 12:30 PM.
Lecture passes are available at the admissions counter at noon.
Seating is limited and first-come, first-served. No late seating.
Lectures are one hour long, including time for a few questions at the end. Science Sunday is free with admission, and always free for members. Recommended for ages 10 and older.