The leatherback sea turtle is one of only seven species of marine turtles worldwide. Unlike the other six species, the leatherback does not have scales or claws. It feeds primarily on jellyfish and other soft bodied invertebrates. Dietary preferences have contributed to its decline as the leatherback can confuse marine debris (such as plastic bags) with prey. Habitat loss and bi-catch also are potential factors contributing to this population’s decline. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) considers the Puget Sound to be potential habitat for this reptile. The global population of the leatherback sea turtle is considered to be endangered by all jurisdictions within the Puget Sound Georgia Basin marine ecosystem. For more information, please see the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada’s (COSEWIC) Status Report for the leatherback sea turtle at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/showDocument_e.cfm?id=85