According the latest report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2007 researchers found 45,084 nests for the loggerhead turtles, down more than 4,600 nests from the year before.

"Data collected during the 2007 season indicate the lowest nesting levels in Florida" in the history of the monitoring program concluded the report. In 1998, the state reported 85,988 nests.

But while the number of loggerhead turtle nests has gone down, green and leatherback turtle nests have shown an increase at the same beaches.  

One factor that could be affecting loggerhead turtles more than other marine turtles is shrimp boat nets and long-line fishing hooks. Loggerheads eat shrimp and other hard-shelled invertebrates, whereas other marine turtles do not.