With the help of a handful of meticulous scientists, the critically endangered population of Eastern Pacific leatherback sea turtles may have just saved itself. And the key to its salvation—consistency. The 100 million-year-old species, known to grow to be over six feet in length, weigh close to two tons and make 4,000-foot dives, was the subject of a study released in the July 15 issue of Public Library of Science Biology. Scientists tracked via satellite the movements of 46 electronically tagged female leatherbacks between 2004 and 2007. As the study reveals, the leatherbacks have a penchant for a particular migratory route that begins on their nesting beach, Costa Rica’s La Playa Grande (consequently, the largest remaining viable nesting beach for this population.) From there, the turtles stick to a relatively specific corridor that takes them out past the Galapagos Islands and across the equator to their destination, the South Pacific Gyre. So how can this study save the leatherbacks? A shocking 90 percent of the Eastern Pacific leatherback population has disappeared within the last 20 years. While scientists attribute much of this sudden species decline to people relentlessly harvesting leatherbacks’ eggs on nesting beaches, out in the open ocean, leatherbacks often fall victim to the longline fishing hooks of commercial fisheries intended for big fish, like yellowfin tuna. The leatherbacks’ consistent and, therefore, predictable migratory movements revealed in this study may help conservationists in their negotiations with governments and commercial fisheries, to make a strong case to suspend fishing temporarily in certain areas, and thus allow leatherbacks safe passage along their migratory route.

And herein lies the crisis of conscience: you love sushi, but you’re absolutely devoted to sustainable seafood. For those of you brave enough to grill the serious sushi chef with the big knife in his hand on the origins of his maki-bound salmon and ahi tuna, you’re my hero. But for the rest of us, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program just may save us an uncomfortable conversation. Together with the Blue Ocean Institute , Seafood Watch is developing the “first-ever sushi pocket guide.” But, they need your help. Seafood Watch is currently seeking information about your favorite sushi restaurant. Follow this link to fill out the Seafood Watch Program’s market research survey.

Everyone who submits a survey by Monday, July 14 is eligible to win a prize.