In Puerto Rico, damage to coral reefs and other shallow water benthic systems from sedimentation and siltation has not been assessed as yet, but is known to be a serious problem in some areas, with some coral reefs completely destroyed by siltation. Pesticides, heavy metals and PCB's have been detected in turtles and eggs, but their effect is unknown. Raw sewage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has been released directly into nearshore waters. While a regional treatment plant has just been completed in Puerto Rico, monitoring has not been initiated. The illegal take of hawksbills at sea has not yet been fully quantified, but it is a continuing problem.
Marine turtles are at risk when encountering an oil spill.
Respiration, skin, blood chemistry and salt gland functions are affected. The hawksbill's dependence on coral reefs for shelter and food link its well-being to the condition of reefs. Destruction of reefs from vessels anchoring, striking or grounding is a growing problem. Cruiseships and yachts are destroying portions of coral reefs with their anchors and anchor chains in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, Belize and elsewhere. There is also damage from recreational, diving and fishing boats anchoring indiscriminately on reefs.