Celebrating Leatherback Turtles – California’s State Marine Reptile and NOAA’s Species in the Spotlight

In recognition of California Leatherback Day, NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), NOAA Fisheries, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) and The Ocean Foundation invite the public to a celebration of the endangered Leatherback turtles at the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz. The public will have the opportunity to see a full-size cast of a Leatherback turtle, talk with Leatherback turtle scientists, see the premier of a new Leatherback film by Dutton Media Productions, and dress up in a Leatherback turtle costume!  The event will be followed by MBNMS 25th anniversary presentation entitled, “The Pacific Leatherback Turtle: An Ocean Ambassador with an Uncertain Future” by Scott Benson of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.  

The passage of the California Marine Reptile Bill in 2012 designated Pacific Leatherback Conservation Day on October 15 and prioritized conservation for this critically endangered sea turtle species. The public is invited to build a better understanding of the ‘California State Marine Reptile’ and one of NOAA’s Species in the Spotlight.
This is a free, all-day family friendly event.

WHAT:            Celebrating Leatherback Sea Turtles – a NOAA Species in the Spotlight
WHEN:           Saturday, October 14th
                       10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Leatherback Day celebration
                        6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: MBNMS 25th anniversary Leatherback presentation
WHERE:         Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060                       
WHO:              General Public

For more information, contact Lisa Uttal at (831) 420-3669 or [email protected].

montereybay.noaa.gov