Hawksbill Sea Turtles
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretomochelys imbricate) are listed as “endangered” and are extremely rare in Chesapeake Bay. Only two have been reported since 1979, and these are considered “strays.” Their length was 28 cm (11 in). Hawksbills are more typically found in tropical and subtropical waters feeding on sponges, corals, and fish. This turtle is the source of "tortoise shell;" the trade for this material has been banned by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
Status
Listed as "Endangered"
Size
Adults are ~76 - 89 cm (30 - 35 in), 100 - 200 lbs.
Sexual Maturity
Unknown
Nesting Habitat
Tropical/subtropical; a few nest in Florida; under beach vegetation
Juvenile Habitat
Caribbean, South/Central America
Diet
Sponges, corals, fish