Newfoundland and Labrador
Leatherback Turtles


Leatherback turtle: 3 meters; 800 kilograms

Riding the Gulf Stream up from the Caribbean, the largest known reptile arrives in Newfoundland in late July when water temperatures are warmest and jellyfish, its main food, is most abundant. It is not known how or if Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) return south. Their shell is rigid, tough and leathery with five to seven ridges running the length of it. The flippers are unusually long. Leatherbacks are now an endangered species and many are found dead from ingesting floating plastic bags or balloons which they mistake for jellyfish.

Ask fishermen if they have seen them—you are sure to get an interesting story.

The Leatherback Turtle (on the right) stranded and recently was refloated and released at Lobster Head Cove from October 11-13, 2003.


Others sharing Newfoundland waters

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Web Site Developer Susan Guerrero