The loggerhead is widely distributed within its range. It may be found hundreds of miles out to sea, as well as in inshore areas such as bays, lagoons, salt marshes, creeks, ship channels, and the mouths of large rivers. Coral reefs, rocky places, and ship wrecks are often used as feeding areas. Hatchlings have been found floating at sea in association with Sargassum rafts. Nesting occurs mainly on open beaches or along narrow bays having suitable soil, and it is often in association with other species of sea turtles.
Loggerheads apparently migrate over long distances.
Tagged specimens have been recaptured 1,2OO to 1,5OO miles from the point of release. The National Marine Fisheries Service has implemented regulations requiring the use of turtle excluder devices by shrimp fishermen. Coastally situated National Wildlife Refuges conduct programs to assure nest protection. Many coastal counties and communities in Florida have developed lighting ordinances to reduce hatchling disorientation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Department of Natural Resources are cooperatively pursuing protection of nesting habitat in Brevard and Indian River Counties, Florida, where 25 percent of all nesting occurs.