For a variety of reasons, those opposed to "using" marine turtles for any reason have labeled all marine turtles as endangered species. However, when compared to real endangered species ... where a minor management decision could result in extinction ... many sea turtle species could not be considered as endangered.

The populations of some species are in the tens of millions, and other, such as Hawksbills, are distributed around the world, are totally protected, and are thriving in many locations despite various levels of use within their range. There was a time when having a species listed as "endangered" was perhaps important to draw public attention to the need to invest resources in its conservation and management.

Today, the public expect and are entitled to more honesty. Indeed, many countries and Governments are finding it increasingly difficult to justify the allocation of resources to wildlife species that are neither used nor have value. Programs that provide for the sustainable use of marine turtles can contribute very significantly to conservation.