FILE - In this May 15, 2007 file photo, a loggerhead sea turtle swims at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The turtle was first discovered as a hatchling straggler left behind by his nest mates, and was later released back into the Atlantic Ocean. The federal government recommended Wednesday, March 10, 2010, that the loggerhead turtle be listed as an endangered species. (AP Photo/Gene Blythe)
BOSTON - The federal government has recommended an endangered-species listing for loggerhead turtles in U.S. waters, a decision that could have big implications for the fishing industry.
The listing was proposed Wednesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for seven species of loggerheads.
The NOAA's fisheries division says one of the biggest threats to loggerheads is fishing gear. Environmental groups say the proposal is a turning point they hope will lead to greater protections for the turtles.
The proposal is open to public comment and could be in effect by summer 2011.
The slow-maturing loggerheads typically are more than 3 feet long and weigh about 250 pounds.
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