Today only a few are seen in the same area - a result of animals and humans collecting the eggs. They are hunted for their eggs, calipee, and forequarter skin which is made into leather. Leatherbacks are prized for their leather, as well as their eggs. The food the leatherback eats poses another threat. These turtles feed on jellyfish, which can look a lot like discarded plastic.
Many sea turtles drown when they are caught in fishing nets and shrimp trawls.
The nesting habitat of all species of sea turtles is disturbed or destroyed by humans. The nesting period is a dangerous time for turtles, eggs, and hatchlings. Humans aren't the only threat. Loggerheads must to contend with raccoons,the severest predators of eggs. Loggerheads nest the furthest north of all the sea turtles, as far as North Carolina.