LEATHERBACK TURTLE PROJECT

Every August/September, endangered Leatherback turtles appear in Monterey Bay. Using the latest, gene and satellite technology, scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Science Center study the endangered Leatherback turtle to better understand these cryptic animals which take them on an incredible journey of new discoveries.

Sept. 1st 2006: Leatherbacks are known to migrate to Monterey Bay from Indonesia to feed on jellyfish. The upwelling process off the Califonian coast provides ideal forage area and ecosystem for marine life.

Sept. 15th 2006: The delay of the seasonal upwelling process within the Californian waters is having an adverse effect on marine life and there is no sign of the Leatherback.

Sept. 30th 2006: The absence of Leatherbacks for the first time since the studies commenced in 2000, causes the scientist to speculate ocean processes, effects of global warming and the fate of the Leatherback in the Pacific.