"Habitats that could save threatened loggerhead sea turtles from extinction were identified on Friday by the U.S. government along 750 miles of Atlantic and Gulf Coast shoreline in six states."
"The habitats include islands and mainland areas in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, including 90 beaches, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.
'We are taking a step to draw attention to important habitats needed to support the recovery of this magnificent species,' Cindy Dohner, the service's southeast regional director, said in a statement.
Three environmental groups sued the U.S. government in January, accusing it of failing to take urgent steps to ensure survival of loggerhead turtles, as specified by the Endangered Species Act."
Harriet McLeod reports for Reuters March 25, 2013.
