The hawksbill turtle's status has not changed since it was listed as endangered in 1970. It is a solitary nester, is erratic in its nesting behavior, and thus, population trends or estimates are difficult to determine. The decline of nesting populations is accepted by most researchers. In 1983, the only known apparently stable populations were in Yemen, northeastern Australia, the Red Sea, and Oman.
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. Prior to being certified under the Pelly Amendment, Japan had been importing about 20 metric tons of hawksbill shell per year, representing approximately 19,000 turtles. A negotiated settlement was reached regarding this trade on June 19, 1992. Scientists believe the hawksbill may be on the verge of extinction. The hawksbill is a small to medium-sized sea turtle.