SCDNR Marine Turtle Conservation Program

Leatherbacks are highly migratory and are the widest ranging of all sea turtles. Their movements are no doubt in response to seasonal abundance of jellyfish, their major food item. An annual migration of adult and subadult leatherbacks from the wider Caribbean to the northwestern Atlantic results in spring and fall concentrations of leatherbacks in South Carolina waters. Nearshore concentrations of leatherbacks can occur from April to June and are frequently seen feeding on cannonball jellyfish that are abundant at that time of year. A smaller secondary peak in abundance occurs in the fall. This abundance has created a rare opportunity to observe adult and immature, male and female leatherbacks in our nearshore waters. Prior to the late 1980’s, leatherbacks were rare visitors to South Carolina coastal waters. Since that time, leatherbacks have become a common visitor throughout state waters during spring.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has been conducting aerial surveys to document the distribution and abundance of leatherbacks for the past 15 years. During these flights, we have observed more than 1,000 leatherbacks. In order to obtain more information on this endangered species we are requesting sighting information from the boating public. If you see a leatherback, please fill out our leatherback sighting form.

For a more comprehensive review, please read the Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Sheet.