About
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is typically found anywhere from the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern coast of the United States. They were originally first described by Richard M. Kemp, a fisherman from Key West, Florida. These turtles are one of the smallest species of sea turtle, growing to be around 27 to 32 inches long, and weighing anywhere from 75 to 100 pounds.
Importance
This sea turtle nests along Florida beaches, as well as Mexico, and are protected under state and federal laws. They are one of the world’s most endangered sea turtles! They help to keep crab, squid, clam, mussel, shrimp, fish, sea urchin and jellyfish populations in check.
Threats
Human activity has been the greatest threat to these turtles, from hunting to egg collecting and fishing, this has been what is decimating the Kemp’s Ridley population. These turtles often get stuck in nets through shrimp trawling, and are greatly impacted by oil spills since their nesting locations often overlap near oil drilling.
How Can I Help?
To learn more about the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, see what is being done to protect them, and how you can get involved, here are a few organizations that focus on protecting these turtles:
The Ocean Conservancy is a U.S.-based organization that works towards protecting biodiversity, advancing climate solutions and preventing ocean plastic. They encourage volunteers to get involved by taking action, joining cleanups, and working with them!
Sea Turtle Inc while a Texas-based organization, their work is very important to protecting sea turtles. This non-profit aims to conserve, educate, and protect sea turtles like the Kemp’s Ridley.
The Sea Turtle Conservancy is a Florida-based nonprofit that aims to conserve and recover sea turtle populations. After over 60 years of experience, the organization means to carry out the most successful programs. They offer many opportunities to get involved.
Sources – fisheries.noaa.gov, oceana.org, nps.gov, oceanconservancy.org
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