Cornwall, United Kingdom – A newly formed international alliance of researchers and conservation experts has been launched to protect Atlantic leatherback turtle populations, as concerns grow over their long-term survival.

The Wilkes Atlantic Leatherback Turtle Alliance is led by the University of Exeter and brings together more than 50 partner organisations across 25 countries around the Atlantic Ocean.

Leatherback turtles are classified globally as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, regional assessments show more serious declines, with populations listed as “endangered” in the north-west Atlantic, “critically endangered” in the south-west Atlantic, and “data deficient” in the south-east Atlantic.

Researchers say these classifications underline the need for updated assessments of Atlantic populations, a clearer understanding of threats, and a coordinated conservation strategy.

Announced on World Sea Turtle Day, the alliance aims to address these gaps through large-scale research and planning. Supported by the Wilkes Sea Turtle Protection Fund, it will focus on updated nesting assessments, analysis of accidental capture in fisheries, and identification of conservation priorities.

Leatherback turtles face multiple threats, including bycatch in fishing gear, coastal development, loss of nesting sites, harvesting of adults and eggs, climate change, boat strikes, and marine pollution.

The video shows leatherback hatchlings, highlighting the early life stage of the species the alliance seeks to protect.

Professor Annette Broderick said alarm is now growing after long-term declines in the Pacific, noting that Atlantic populations had previously appeared more stable but now require urgent ocean-wide study.

Professor Brendan Godley said the project builds on decades of collaboration across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, and will strengthen international research efforts at a time when funding is being reduced.

Adrian Wilkes of the Wilkes Sea Turtle Protection Fund warned that extinction is now a real risk for Atlantic leatherbacks after millions of years on the planet. He said the alliance must help shape policy and action, particularly among governments and the fishing industry.

The alliance’s mission is to advance protection of Atlantic leatherbacks through collaborative research, strategic planning, and evidence-based conservation across the region. It is also inviting new partners, including fishers, policymakers, and donors.

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