What is iSTOR?

Most sea turtle populations exist below historical levels and many continue to decline. As such, all species of sea turtles are protected by law in many countries as well as under international law. This database of sea turtle sightings has been developed to help sea turtle biologists and conservations track and understand the distribution of sea turtles around the world. YOU CAN HELP! When you see a turtle please report it here. Data will be made available to scientists and managers to improve the understanding of our marine environment.

Please report only "live" turtle sightings. If you see a dead sea turtle please visit our stranding network locator for information on reporting information to the proper authorities in your region.

This effort builds upon a sea turtle sighting study initiated by NOAA Fisheries to determine what turtle species inhabit coastal North Carolina waters and where they are commonly found. You can learn more about the NOAA Fisheries program from an article that appeared in Conservation Biology (Epperly et al, 1995, Sea Turtles in North Carolina Waters).

PLEASE NOTE: Sea turtles are protected by local, national and international laws, and unauthorized removal or handling of sea turtles is prohibited in most areas. Any attempt to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, capture, or collect sea turtles (or their parts) should be avoided.