Just as scientists are beginning to fully understand the amazing 7,000 mile odyssey undertaken annually by migrating leatherback sea turtles, these gentle giants are disappearing — and fast.

In less than 30 years, the number of western Pacific leatherbacks in the foraging population off of California plummeted 80% and a recent study led by SJSU/MLML scientist Scott Benson shows a 5.6% annual decline.

This important research was recently highlighted in the Washington Post. Read the article to learn more.