That is not what a sanctuary is, and that would completely defeat the purpose of even making the original statement. You said it is only illegal in sanctuaries, but you think that anywhere the turtles live is a sanctuary because they are endangered... i.e. you think everywhere is a sanctuary, so why would you say it is only illegal inside of a sanctuary if that is literally anywhere?

A sanctuary is a man made facility in which animals are cared for by humans, and more importantly protected from outside threats. That is the big one. I encourage you to go do some research and look at some actual sanctuaries if you like.

You would have to extend this "anywhere an endangered species happens to be automatically becomes a sanctuary" to humpback whales as well, amongst tons of other animals. I would love to know how you think humans are able to protect humpback whales from outside threats when they live in the ocean and we have no way of making sure they are not threatened.

It is obvious you are just trying to make the reality fit what you originally said. It is illegal to fuck with sea turtles anywhere in the United States. You can't just start calling Hawaii and California sanctuaries because that would conveniently make your statement correct. They aren't sanctuaries.