Sea Turtles; There are currently seven different species swimming in Earth's oceans. They are marine reptiles that have been around since dinosaurs walked the earth, give or take 150 million years (Texas Parks & Wildlife). And although these ancient creatures existed in the world long before the birth of humans, it is ironic that all seven species of sea turtles are now endangered due to anthropogenic actions. Of the seven species, Kemp's Ridley is the most critically endangered. To ensure the survival of this species into the unforeseeable future, we must understand why the Kemp's ridley turtle is critically endangered and what can be done to prevent the extinction of this species. Lepidochelys Kempii, or more commonly known as Kemp's sea turtle or Atlantic turtle. , is part of the Cheloniidea family and is the smallest of the seven species of sea turtles. In appearance, their shell reaches a length of around 28 inches and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Their upper shell, also known as the carapace, is usually a grayish-green color and their underbelly is yellowish-white, probably for countershading. Kemp's ridleys are bottom feeders and generally prefer crabs, but their diet also consists of jellyfish, shrimp, starfish, molluscs, sea urchins, and fish. Although they are mostly carnivorous, they are known to eat marine plants such as sargassum and algae (Reaves). Kemp's sea turtles are found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This species nests primarily on the coasts of Tamaulipas, Mexico, more specifically in Rancho Nuevo, where "nearly 95% of the world's Kemp's Ridley nesting" takes place. They are also found nesting in Veracruz, Mexico and on the coasts of Texas where...... middle of paper ...... costa Occidental del Golfo de Mexico. Ciencia, Mexico. 22(4):105-112.Janiskee, Bob. "Creature Feature: Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Faces Uncertain Future." National Park Travelers. National Park Defenders, May 21, 2010. Web. November 18, 2013. .NOAA Fisheries. Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii). National Marine Fisheries Service, March 4, 2013. Web. November 18, 2013. .Reaves, TPWD Bill and TPWD Mary E. Candee. "Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle." Slattery, Phil. Padre Island National Seashore. NPS Interpretive Development Program. Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Program Fact Sheet. Internet. .Turtle Expert Working Group. 1998. An assessment of the Kemp situation