Endangered species: Pan-Atlantic leatherback turtle movements
Graeme C Hays1, Jonathan D R Houghton, Andrew E Myers
1School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental Sustainability, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. g.hays@swan.ac.uk
Nature
|June 4, 2004
Summary
Leatherback turtles inhabit the entire North Atlantic, increasing their risk of longline fishing gear interactions. Conservation efforts in limited areas may only partially reduce bycatch due to their wide-ranging movements.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Fisheries Science
- Conservation Ecology
Background:
- Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) habitat use in the North Atlantic is poorly understood.
- Potential interactions with longline fisheries pose a significant threat to leatherback populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent of North Atlantic habitat use by leatherback turtles.
- To assess the implications of habitat use for longline fishery interactions and bycatch reduction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized long-term satellite telemetry data to track leatherback turtle movements.
- Analyzed dive depth data to understand vertical habitat utilization.
Main Results:
- Leatherback turtles were found to range throughout the North Atlantic Ocean.
- While capable of deep dives (up to 1,230m), they typically forage at depths less than 250m.
- This restricted diving behavior increases the likelihood of encountering longline fishing gear.
Conclusions:
- Closing small, specific areas to longline fishing will likely have limited success in reducing overall leatherback bycatch.
- Effective bycatch mitigation strategies must consider the extensive North Atlantic range of leatherback turtles.
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