These questions were posed on another forum, I thought I'd post them here in case anybody was wondering the same?
Tell us a little about them Don.
I've got hundreds of hours under water in CA, never seen one.
Let's start with their range?
What is it about the Leatherback that makes it uniquely identify itself with CA? Where is the "connection"
Remember, in CA the whole deal is gold. Golden Trout, Poppy (goldish), Garabaldi (same as poppy). What is the "hook" of the Leatherback?
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Answers-
Here's a simple link:
http://seaturtles.org/downloads/Leat...tCoast_FAQ.pdf
Your not likely to sea one as they travel and forage WAY off shore. They nest Primarily in Costa Rica (as well as Mexico). They spend their lives off shore and return only to nest. Their range in the Eastern Pacific is as far North as Washington State (about 1,300 miles round trip). They are ENDANGERED as well as majestic and I believe populations are down to about only 200? California has passed protection laws in the 90's (commercial fishing catch's)
The Cali Connection (and current legislation) is to bring awareness to their plight. As a Cali State critter it will be taught about in schools, Etc. You can't fall in love with something and want to protect it if your not exposed to it
. Thanks for the Q's mweitz, HTH.
Google at will.
Be Safe Out There!
PS: They're as rare as Gold...
