Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandra G. Gulick, Kathleen M. Hanes, Alan B. Bolten, Karen A. Bjorndal
Summary: This study examines the impact of green turtle grazing on seagrass regrowth dynamics. The findings indicate that seagrass has the capacity to rebound after grazing, but leaf area index and leaf width may still be affected. This study contributes to our understanding of seagrass ecosystem recovery.
Article
Oceanography
Carmen Mejias-Balsalobre, Jaime Restrepo, Gilberto Borges, Raul Garcia, Daniela Rojas-Canizales, Hector Barrios-Garrido, Roldan A. Valverde
Summary: Despite being recognized globally as an example of ecotourism, the village of Tortuguero still faces challenges with poaching of sea turtle nests and egg trade. The local community has varying perceptions and attitudes towards the consumption and trade of sea turtle eggs, with awareness of negative impacts on the economy, tourism, and conservation. However, traditional practices, easy access to eggs, and persistent beliefs in their aphrodisiac properties continue to drive consumption, despite efforts to reduce it.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kathiani Victor Bastos, Levi Pompermayer Machado, Jean-Christophe Joyeux, Juliana Santos Ferreira, Frederico Pacheco Militao, Valeria de Oliveira Fernandes, Robson Guimaraes Santos
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of environmental degradation on the nutritional value of marine macrophytes consumed by green sea turtles. The findings suggest that urbanization negatively affects the diversity and chemical composition of marine plants, which in turn affects the health of green turtles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Sukran Yalcin Ozdilek, Bektas Sonmez, Burcu Mestav
Summary: This study evaluated the foraging ecology of green turtles in the Mediterranean using stable isotope signatures and body size. It found that the green turtles nesting in the Eastern Mediterranean have two distinct foraging habitats, with larger females belonging to a generalist/specialist feeding strategy. Further studies are needed to identify the foraging areas of green turtles in the Mediterranean for effective conservation actions.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Margaret M. Lamont, Allison M. Benscoter, Kristen M. Hart
Summary: Globally, Marine Protected Areas play a crucial role in conserving large marine vertebrates. A recent study conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico revealed the migration and foraging patterns of green turtles using satellite tagging technology. The findings indicated that certain key sites outside of protected areas, such as Cape Sable in Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, are important for the conservation and identification of critical habitat for nesting green turtles.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Thanaporn Chuen-Im, Korapan Sawetsuwannakun, Pimmnapar Neesanant, Nakarin Kitkumthorn
Summary: An early intervention program at STCCT for sea turtle conservation faced high mortality rates due to bacterial infections. Monitoring of antibiotic resistance in seawater from juvenile green turtle holding tanks showed an increase in resistant bacteria, particularly against beta-lactam antibiotics. This study highlights the importance of assessing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sea turtle rearing seawater for effective management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian M. Shamblin, Kristen M. Hart, Margaret M. Lamont, Donna J. Shaver, Peter H. Dutton, Erin L. LaCasella, Campbell J. Nairn
Summary: Genetic study reveals that the Gulf of Mexico coast and offshore waters of the United States serve as important nursery habitats for green turtles of Mexican origin, emphasizing the necessity of international collaboration for the conservation of these populations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Eduardo Resendiz, Helena Fernandez-Sanz, Jose Francisco Dominguez-Contreras, Amelly Hyldai Ramos-Diaz, Agnese Mancini, Alan A. Zavala-Norzagaray, A. Alonso Aguirre
Summary: The emergence of fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles in the Baja California peninsula may be linked to factors such as population growth, surge of tourism, pollution, and increased fisheries. A black turtle with fibropapilloma and chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 was found in a key foraging area in the Mexican Pacific, posing a potential risk to the turtle population. Molecular analysis revealed a high alignment with the Scutavirus of the Eastern Pacific group, showing the need for further research and conservation strategies in the region.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
P. A. Meylan, R. F. Hardy, J. A. Gray, A. B. Meylan
Summary: This study examines the demographic responses of green turtles to seagrass decline and finds that the turtles' size and mass have decreased. The aggregation size structure has shifted to smaller sizes, and the density of turtles has increased while the biomass remains low. The results suggest that the observed reduction in seagrass on the Bermuda Platform is due to synergistic stressors rather than green turtles alone.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oguz Turkozan, Vasiliki Almpanidou, Can Yilmaz, Antonios D. Mazaris
Summary: Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their reproductive success and offspring sex ratios being dependent on nest conditions, particularly temperature. Research shows that while green turtle eggs may show some resilience to rising temperatures, hatching success declines after prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius. Under a moderate climate scenario, the number of days above lethal thresholds is projected to increase significantly by 2100, raising concerns about the future of sea turtle populations.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandra G. Gulick, Anne B. Meylan, Peter A. Meylan, Kristen M. Hart, Jennifer A. Gray, Gaelle Roth, Alan B. Bolten, Karen A. Bjorndal
Summary: Global populations of green turtles are recovering, with ingest size playing a critical role in optimizing their grazing strategy. Limited response to changes in seagrass availability suggests potential resilience to habitat alterations.
Article
Biology
Rocio Alvarez-Varas, Noemi Rojas-Hernandez, Maike Heidemeyer, Cynthia Riginos, Hugo A. Benitez, Raul Araya-Donoso, Eduardo Resendiz, Monica Lara-Uc, Daniel A. Godoy, Juan Pablo Munoz-Perez, Daniela E. Alarcon-Ruales, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Clara Ortiz-Alvarez, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Juliana A. Vianna, David Veliz
Summary: This study used a genome approach to uncover the genetic and ecological differences between shape-based morphotypes of the green turtle in the Pacific Ocean, supporting the uniqueness of the black turtle at the genetic level and its adaptation to the environment. These findings contribute to the research in evolutionary biology and conservation genomics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Wei-Rung Chou, Po-Yu Wu, Tsung-Hsien Li
Summary: Data from stranded sea turtles can reveal the negative impact of human activities on turtle populations. This study used principal component analysis and structural equation modeling to identify potential causes of sea turtle strandings in Taiwan. While offshore wind turbines were not found to have a significant impact, the study did highlight the effects of coral colony density, heavy metals, and fishing disturbance on the strandings. PCA and SEM should be incorporated in future assessments of anthropogenic impacts for the conservation of endangered sea turtles.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wen-Lin Wang, Pei-Lun Sun, Chi-Fei Kao, Wen-Ta Li, I-Jiunn Cheng, Pin-Huan Yu
Summary: This study reports a rare systemic C. palmioleophila infection in a sub-adult green sea turtle, which eventually died at 7.5 months after rescue. Postmortem examination revealed disseminated yeast in multiple organs. The aim of this research is to enhance veterinary medical care and conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacques Fretey, Tyffen C. Read, Lea Carron, Christophe Fontfreyde, Aurelie Fourdrain, Julie-Anne Kerandel, Vincent Liardet, Marc Oremus, Morgane Reix-Tronquet, Marc Girondot
Summary: The green turtle population in New Caledonia is large and their nesting activities are stable. The nesting trend of these turtles is similar to that observed in Australia. It is recommended for the French authorities to continue monitoring and protecting these green turtle populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helen V. Ford, Nia H. Jones, Andrew J. Davies, Brendan J. Godley, Jenna R. Jambeck, Imogen E. Napper, Coleen C. Suckling, Gareth J. Williams, Lucy C. Woodall, Heather J. Koldewey
Summary: Plastic pollution and climate change are fundamentally linked, as plastic contributes to greenhouse gas emissions throughout its life cycle and extreme weather associated with climate change exacerbates the spread of plastic in the environment. Both issues impact marine ecosystems and species, making them particularly vulnerable.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Trevelyan J. McKinley, Nathalie Breheret, Gaelle Bal, George Petchell Balchin, Abdon Bitsindou, Eva Chauvet, Tim Collins, Bryan K. Curran, Angela Formia, Alexandre Girard, Marc Girondot, Brendan J. Godley, Jean-Gabriel Mavoungou, Laurene Poli, Dominic Tilley, Hilde VanLeeuwe, Kristian Metcalfe
Summary: Monitoring how populations respond to sustained conservation measures is crucial for detecting changes in population status and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By applying a Bayesian statistical modeling framework to sea turtle data from the Republic of the Congo, this study reveals stable nesting levels for leatherback turtles and an increasing trend for olive ridley turtles.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charlotte Gough, Mebrahtu Ateweberhan, Brendan J. Godley, Alasdair Harris, Frederic Le Manach, Erude Zafindranosy, Annette C. Broderick
Summary: This study compares small-scale fisheries data from Menabe region in 1991 and 2011, revealing a decline in catch over time and signs of overfishing in 2011. The true extent of overfishing may be masked by changes in technology and fishing behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melinda G. Conners, Nicholas B. Sisson, Pierre D. Agamboue, Philip W. Atkinson, Alastair M. M. Baylis, Scott R. Benson, Barbara A. Block, Steven J. Bograd, Pablo Bordino, W. D. Bowen, Paul Brickle, Ignacio M. Bruno, Victoria Gonzalez Carman, Cory D. Champagne, Daniel E. Crocker, Daniel P. Costa, Tiffany M. Dawson, Tomohiro Deguchi, Heidi Dewar, Philip D. Doherty, Tomo Eguchi, Angela Formia, Brendan J. Godley, Rachel T. Graham, Christian Gredzens, Kristen M. Hart, Lucy A. Hawkes, Suzanne Henderson, Robert William Henry, Luis A. Hueckstaedt, Ladd M. Irvine, Sarah S. Kienle, Carey E. Kuhn, Damian Lidgard, Stephanie A. Loredo, Bruce R. Mate, Kristian Metcalfe, Jacob Nzegoue, Carmen K. Kouerey Oliwina, Rachael A. Orben, Kiyoaki Ozaki, Richard Parnell, Elizabeth P. Pike, Patrick W. Robinson, Howard C. Rosenbaum, Fumio Sato, Scott A. Shaffer, Donna J. Shaver, Samantha E. Simmons, Brian J. Smith, Guy-Philippe Sounguet, Robert M. Suryan, David R. Thompson, Megan Tierney, Dominic Tilley, Hillary S. Young, Victoria Warwick-Evans, Michael J. Weise, Randall S. Wells, Bradley P. Wilkinson, Matthew J. Witt, Sara M. Maxwell
Summary: Most marine protected areas (MPAs), especially large ones, are too small to encompass the complete home ranges of marine megafauna species. However, benefits can still be obtained from MPAs by targeting seasonal aggregations and critical life history stages, as well as other management techniques.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jesse F. Senko, Kayla M. Burgher, Maria del Mar Mancha-Cisneros, Brendan J. Godley, Irene Kinan-Kelly, Trevor Fox, Frances Humber, Volker Koch, Andrew T. Smith, Bryan P. Wallace
Summary: This article provides a global assessment of illegal marine turtle exploitation, indicating that over 1.1 million marine turtles were exploited between 1990 and 2020. While there were fluctuations in the exploitation levels over the three decades, there appears to be a decrease in illegal exploitation overall.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paulo Catry, Cheibani Senhoury, Ebaye Sidina, Nahi El Bar, Abdallahi Samba Bilal, Francesco Ventura, Brendan J. Godley, Antonio J. Pires, Aissa Regalla, Ana R. Patricio
Summary: The Banc d'Arguin in Mauritania is a significant foraging ground for green turtles, with an estimated population of 8285 adult female turtles, representing 5.6% of the total population. The site plays a critical role in the conservation of sea turtles.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Chris Sandbrook, Martin Fisher, Graeme S. S. Cumming, Karl L. L. Evans, Jenny Anne Glikman, Brendan J. J. Godley, Frith Jarrad, Nicholas Polunin, Carolina Murcia, Angel Perez-Ruzafa, Judit K. K. Szabo
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Kornrawee Aiemsomboon, Nicola Beaumont, Sujaree Bureekul, Bin Cao, Luis R. Carrasco, Suchana Chavanich, James R. Clark, Muhammad R. Cordova, Fay Couceiro, Simon M. Cragg, Neil Dickson, Pierre Failler, Gianluca Ferraro, Stephen Fletcher, Jenny Fong, Alex T. Ford, Tony Gutierrez, Fauziah Shahul Hamid, Jan G. Hiddink, Pham T. Hoa, Sophie I. Holland, Lowenna Jones, Nia H. Jones, Heather Koldewey, Federico M. Lauro, Charlotte Lee, Matt Lewis, Danny Marks, Sabine Matallana-Surget, Claudia G. Mayorga-Adame, John McGeehan, Lauren F. Messer, Laura Michie, Michelle A. Miller, Zeeda F. Mohamad, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Moritz Mueller, Simon P. Neill, Sarah E. Nelms, Deo Florence L. Onda, Joyce J. L. Ong, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Sui C. Phang, Richard Quilliam, Peter E. Robins, Maria Salta, Aida Sartimbul, Shiori Shakuto, Martin W. Skov, Evelyn B. Taboada, Peter A. Todd, Tai Chong Toh, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Voranop Viyakarn, Passorn Wonnapinij, Louisa E. Wood, Clara L. X. Yong, Brendan J. Godley
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Emily M. Duncan, Neil Angelo S. Abreo, Jo Marie V. Acebes, Lea A. AngSinco-Jimenez, Sabiqah T. Anuar, Lemnuel V. Aragones, Gonzalo Araujo, Luis R. Carrasco, Marcus A. H. Chua, Muhammad R. Cordova, Lantun P. Dewanti, Emilyn Q. Espiritu, Jovanie B. Garay, Elitza S. Germanov, Jade Getliff, Eva Horcajo-Berna, Yusof S. Ibrahim, Zeehan Jaafar, Jose Isagani B. Janairo, Thanda Ko Gyi, Danielle Kreb, Cheng Ling Lim, Youna Lyons, Putu L. K. Mustika, Mei Lin Neo, Sirius Z. H. Ng, Buntora Pasaribu, Agamuthu Pariatamby, Cindy Peter, Lindsay Porter, Noir P. Purba, Ernesto T. Santa Cruz, Shahriar Shams, Kirsten F. Thompson, Daniel S. Torres, Rodney Westerlaken, Tuempong Wongtawan, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Southeast Asia is highly biodiverse and a major contributor to global marine plastic pollution. However, knowledge about the impacts of plastic pollution on marine megafauna in the region is lacking. A literature review and expert elicitation were conducted to gather information on cases of entanglement and ingestion of plastic by various marine species in Southeast Asia. The study found a limited number of published cases, especially for seabirds, highlighting the need for additional funding and data to address this issue.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Casale, Gaspard Abitsi, Pierre Didier Agamboue, Eric Augowet, Jean Pierre Bayet, Alexis Billes, Abdon Bitsindou, Tim Collins, Phil D. Doherty, Francois Edgard Faure, Jacques Fretey, Philippe du Plessis, Alain Gibudi, Brendan J. Godley, Judicael Regis Kema Kema, Brice D. Koumba D. Mabert, Francois Lamou Boussamba, Pierre Brice Maganga, Jean Churley Manfoumbi, Bienvenue Ondo Ndong, Kristian Metcalfe, Gianna Minton, Gil Avery Mounguengui, Solange Ngouessono, Jacob Nzegoue, Carmen Karen Kouerey Oliwina, Richard J. Parnell, Sandrine Ricois, Dominique Roumet, Guy-Philippe Sounguet, Dominic Tilley, Hilde van Leeuwe, Bas Verhage, Lee White, Matthew J. Witt, Wynand Viljoen, Angela Formia
Summary: Assessing population trends and reproductive parameters is important for sea turtles. A 21-year study in central Africa found a decline in body size and low survival probability in leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles. However, the estimated annual number of nesting females did not show a clear decline. The study recommends continued monitoring of nesting activity, nest counts, and cross-border cooperation for effective conservation.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liz Clark, Rebecca Allen, Zara L. R. Botterell, Beatriz Callejo, Brendan J. Godley, Clare Henry, David Santillo, Sarah E. Nelms
Summary: Citizen science is a valuable tool for collecting data on plastic pollution and although it is commonly used, there are few studies that focus on water-borne plastic debris. In this study, citizen scientists used a standardized methodology to sample sea-surface debris off the Cornish coast in the UK. The study provides important baseline data on the abundance and distribution of floating plastic debris in this region, contributing to the understanding of plastic pollution worldwide.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elizabeth Campbell, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Jose Luis Mena, Ruth H. Thurstan, Brendan J. Godley, David March
Summary: Based on satellite tracking data, this study demonstrates that the Amazon River dolphin occupies various habitat types and has different sizes of core areas and home range areas. The research shows that the dolphins overlapped with fisheries by 89% and were found at relatively far distances from proposed dam and dredging sites. The findings highlight the need for consideration of negative effects on other riverine species and further tracking programs to understand the movement patterns of the species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Willemien de Kock, Meaghan Mackie, Max Ramsoe, Morten E. Allentoft, Annette C. Broderick, Julia C. Haywood, Brendan J. Godley, Robin T. E. Snape, Phil J. Bradshaw, Hermann Genz, Matthew von Tersch, Michael W. Dee, Per J. Palsboll, Michelle Alexander, Alberto J. Taurozzi, Canan Cakirlar
Summary: By combining bioarchaeology with contemporary data, researchers have found that Mediterranean green turtles have been using the same North African seagrass meadows for at least 5,000 years, highlighting the significance of protecting these critical coastal habitats.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ivy E. Baremore, Rachel T. Graham, Samuel R. D. Owen, Matthew J. Witt
Summary: Deepwater fisheries in the Caribbean Sea, particularly in Belize and Honduras, are understudied and poorly managed. Our research revealed that Belize has higher abundance and larger fish compared to Honduras, which has a more established and larger deepwater fishery. Water temperature was found to be a significant factor influencing the abundance and distribution of deepwater snappers. Precautionary fisheries management and targeted biological research are necessary for the sustainable management of these stocks, particularly in Belize where expansion of the deepwater fishery is being considered.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Helen S. Chadwick, James E. F. Barnett, Abby Crosby, Anthea Hawtrey-Collier, Victoria J. Hobson, Lucy C. M. Omeyer, Ruth Williams, Brendan J. Godley
Summary: Changes in grey seal strandings in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly over a 21-year period indicate a significant increase in abundance. The observed seasonality of strandings coincided with important life phases, and most strandings occurred on the north coast of Cornwall. Long-term citizen science data proved valuable for assessing the distribution and abundance of marine top predators.
JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
(2023)