The State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) Reports

The State of the World's Sea Turtles—SWOT Report is a unique publication that brings sea turtles into the hearts and minds of people around the world. Published annually since 2006, the rich educational content that fills each volume is generated by our extensive network of partners—the SWOT Team—and is designed to harness the group’s collective power by highlighting their success stories, innovations, and new findings. Each year, SWOT Report is distributed back to the SWOT Team members who helped create it, free of charge, for use in their own local outreach campaigns in communities where sea turtles nest, forage, and migrate.

SWOT REPORT, VOL. XIX (2024)

The latest SWOT Report features maps of sea turtle nesting and telemetry data Southeast Asia region accompanied by a special feature on sea turtle status and history in the countries of Southeast Asia.

This issue also includes articles on sea turtles and seagrass in Bermuda, how sea turtles are coping with warming temperatures, how social science and behavior change can help sea turtle conservation, and many more.

SWOT Report, vol. XVIII (2023)

Features maps of leatherback nesting and telemetry data at the global scale accompanied by a special feature on leatherbacks and their unique natural history.

SWOT REPORT, VOL. XVII (2022)

Features maps of hawksbill nesting and telemetry data at the global scale accompanied by an in-depth special feature on hawksbills and their unique natural history.

SWOT REPORT, VOL. XVI (2021)

Features a map of olive ridley biogeography at the global scale and a map depicting arribada nesting population locations, statuses, and trends.

SWOT REPORT, VOL. XV (2020)

Features comprehensive maps of both nesting sites and migration routes of sea turtles throughout the Wider Caribbean, as well as the first-ever global map of loggerhead satellite tracking data.

SWOT REPORT, VOL. XIV (2019)

Featuring an up-to-date, comprehensive map of sea turtle distribution in the Mediterranean, a picture of loggerhead movements in the Atlantic, and expert answers to the most frequently asked questions about sea turtles.

SWOT Report, Vol. XIII (2018)

Explore the sea turtles of Japan, loggerhead turtle movements in the Pacific Ocean, and the sea turtles of the French territories through all new maps and data visualizations. Other articles explore bycatch solutions, plastic pollution, the Kemp's ridley's status, and more.

SWOT Report, Vol. VIII (2013)

Explores obstacles to conservation and offers practical suggestions for how to overcome them. The report's Special Feature discusses the challenge of persuading people to take action for sea turtle conservation. Other articles address challenges such as fundraising, data standardization, studying turtles at sea, and more.

SWOT Report, Vol. VII (2012)

Features the world's healthiest and most threatened sea turtle populations. Other highlights include articles about sea turtle ecotourism best practices, new bycatch mitigation technology, leatherback migrations, marine protected areas, and much more.

SWOT Report, Vol. VI (2011)

Features the world's healthiest and most threatened sea turtle populations. Other highlights include articles about sea turtle ecotourism best practices, new bycatch mitigation technology, leatherback migrations, marine protected areas, and much more.

Reporte SWOT, Vol. VI (en Español, 2011)

Contiene los primeros mapas globales de la anidación de la tortuga verde, sus cepas genéticas, y su distribución en el mar. Otros aspectos interesantes son artículos sobre el derrame de petróleo en el Golfo de México, un programa de conservación inovadora en Nicaragua, y los métodos diferentes de asignar valor a una tortuga.

SWOT Report, Vol. V (2010)

Features the first-ever map of global olive and Kemp’s ridley nesting data, genetic stocks, and in-water distribution. Other highlights include articles about studying sea turtles at sea, turtle excluder devices (TEDs), and changing human behaviors for conservation.

SWOT Report, Vol. IV (2009)

Features the first-ever map of global flatback nesting data, genetic stocks, and in-water distribution. Other highlights include articles about why leatherback populations vary globally, how retail sales help communities and sea turtles in Brazil, and how fishermen are aiding conservation efforts in Canada.

SWOT Report, Vol. III (2008)

Features the first-ever map of global hawksbill nesting data. Other highlights include articles about the problem of plastics, the hawksbill’s distinctive diet, and how hotels in Florida are helping to save sea turtles.

Rapport SWOT, Vol. III (en français, 2008)

Mettant en scène la première illustration de SWOT (et du monde) des sites de nidification de la tortue imbriquée. D'autres points d'intérêt sont le problème du plastique, le régime alimentaire particulier des tortues imbriquées, et comment deux hôteliers en Floride aident à protéger les tortues marines.

Reporte SWOT, Vol. III (en Español, 2008)

Contiene el primer mapa global de datos de anidación de la tortuga carey. Otros aspectos interesantes son artículos sobre los peligros de plástico, la peculiar dieta de la carey, y como los hoteles en Florida ayudan a salvar las tortugas marinas.

SWOT Report, Vol. II (2007)

Features the first-ever map of global loggerhead nesting data and an improved map of leatherback nesting data. Other highlights include articles about sea turtles in the Middle East, loggerhead genetics, and curbing the Balinese sea turtle trade.

SWOT Report, Vol. I (2006)

Features the first-ever map of global leatherback nesting data. Other highlights include articles about Costa Rica’s strides forward in marine conservation, protecting turtles at nesting beaches, and how the right incentives can drive wildlife conservation.