TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Three conservation groups are threatening court action to protect endangered loggerhead turtle nesting areas, mainly on Florida’s east coast.

They filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue on Thursday against the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Wildlife Service.

A spokeswoman for Oceana, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Turtle Island Restoration Network said they hope the notice will lead to an agreement before they go to court.

The groups allege the federal agencies have failed to designate critical habitat protection for the turtles.

That designation would safeguard nesting, feeding and migratory areas. It also would prohibit federal projects that could destroy or harm those areas.

A Fisheries Service spokeswoman said the two agencies are planning to designate critical habitat but it’s a lengthy process.