Primarily a tropical herbivorous species, the juveniles frequently occur in Florida waters, especially in areas abundant with sea grasses. The greatest cause of decline for green turtles has been commercial harvest for eggs and food, as well as leather and jewelry. What is the major cause of the continued decline of the hawksbill sea turtle The hawksbill sea turtle is a small to medium sea turtle with a very attractively colored shell of thick overlapping scales. Hawksbill turtles have a distinct, hawk-like beak. The hawksbill turtle is a shy tropical reef dwelling species that feeds primarily on sponges.
Commercial exploitation is the major cause of the continued decline of the hawksbill sea turtle.
There is a continuing demand for the hawksbill's shell as well as other products including leather, oil, perfume, and cosmetics. The leatherback is the largest sea turtle. Unlike other species of sea turtle, the leatherback does not have scales. Instead, it is covered with a firm, rubbery skin with seven longitudinal ridges or keels. Leatherback sea turtles are a highly migratory species that nests in the tropics and ranges as far north as Canada and the northern Pacific ocean.