Biological report on the designation of marine critical habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta

"This report contains a biological assessment of specific areas that may be considered for designation of critical habitat for the threatened Northwest Atlantic Ocean and the endangered North Pacific Ocean Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The designation of critical habitat was prompted by a 2011 final rule revising the listing of loggerhead sea turtles under the ESA from a single worldwide listing of the species as threatened to nine DPSs, listed as either threatened or endangered. The two DPSs that are the subject of this biological report - the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean - are the only DPSs of loggerheads that occur within U.S. jurisdiction. Although American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States, is located within the general geographical area associated with the South Pacific Ocean DPS, loggerheads are not known to occur there"--Executive summary. prepared by National Marine Fisheries Service. Includes bibliographical references. 2013 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) Library Public Domain 1862