ISTS Symposium43 Program/Agenda

Variation in carapacial scute patterns among sea turtle hatchlings has gained attention over the past decade as a potential indicator for environmental stressors and genetic variability. Traditional methods of documenting these anomalies often categorize abnormalities as "present/not present," overlooking the frequency, type, and location of anomalies. This study introduces a standardized method for categorizing scute anomalies in loggerhead hatchlings by scute type and location on the carapace, providing a detailed framework for identifying patterns and assessing their prevalence across nesting sites and seasons. Data collected from 2022, 2023, and 2024 from Gulf of Mexico beaches in Florida revealed variations in scute anomalies, which may correlate with environmental conditions. Analysis showed the most frequent anomalies occurred in marginal and vertebral scutes, with side-specific differentiation allowing for detailed assessments of asymmetrical patterns. In 2024, Hurricane Debby significantly impacted nesting success, reducing the sample size and highlighting the vulnerability of sea turtle populations to extreme weather events. These results emphasize the importance of precise documentation and the need for conservation strategies addressing environmental stressors and climate change. This methodology provides a robust approach for comparing scute patterns globally, contributing to a deeper understanding of factors influencing sea turtle development.

Marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with sea turtles being among the most vulnerable species. These reptiles, all of which are listed as vulnerable to endangered on the IUCN Red List, frequently ingest plastics, leading to severe physiological consequences such as gut compaction, perforation, and the leaching of toxic chemicals into their tissues. This study explores one potential impact of plastic ingestion on sea turtles, specifically comparing the types of plastics consumed by green sea turtles with and without Fibropapillomatosis (FP). The research investigates the different types of marine debris ingested by turtles across various habitats and ontogenetic stages. Necropsies were performed on 46 green sea turtles, and their gastrointestinal tracts were examined for plastic debris. The contents were processed using 10% KOH digestion, and debris larger than 2mm was categorized and counted using ImageJ software. The results showed that 81% of the FP turtles (17 out of 21) had plastic in their digestive tracts, while 63% of the non-FP turtles (15 out of 24) ingested plastic. In total, 742 pieces of marine debris were found, with 40% of this debris found in FP turtles. Polyamide, polyethylene, and polypropylene were among the most common plastic types identified. The most frequently encountered form of debris in both FP and non-FP turtles was filament, found in 69% and 72% of the cases, respectively. Black and white plastic pieces were the most common colors found. These findings suggest there are no significant differences in plastic ingestion between FP and non-FP green sea turtles. This study contributes to our understanding of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential links to the health of sea turtles, particularly those afflicted by FP.

Despite serving as a crucial feeding ground for juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas), the coastal area of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) is also a hub for significant anthropogenic pressures that adversely affect these animals. As sea turtles serve as environmental sentinels, monitoring their health is essential for marine conservation efforts. This study, carried out by the Aruanã Project, involved capturing 94 turtles using a gillnet at Marina da Glória, located in Guanabara Bay. Following capture, turtles underwent thorough physical examinations, and blood samples were drawn from the external jugular vein. The animals were then assessed for body condition, weight, behavior, reflexes, and fibropapillomatosis (FP) lesions.A total of 102 blood samples were collected from 94 individuals, with eight turtles sampled multiple times throughout the year. The clinical assessments revealed varying body condition scores: 54.4% displayed fair condition, 34% were in good condition, and 11.6% were in poor condition, hinting at nutritional deficits or underlying health issues. Nevertheless, all turtles exhibited active behavior and normal consciousness. FP was prevalent in 44.7% of turtles, with tumors primarily in soft tissues and the plastron. Polycythemia appeared in 17.4% of samples, while 5.9% showed regenerative anemia with polychromatophils. The mean red blood cell (RBC) count was 0.49 for FP-affected turtles, compared to 0.53 for those without. Leukocyte analysis showed lymphocytosis in 86.3% of FP-affected samples, accompanied by leukocytosis (68.6%), eosinophilia (59%), thrombocytopenia (52.3%), and heterophilia (45.4%). Both FP-affected and unaffected turtles exhibited elevated blood biochemistry parameters, with alkaline phosphatase (AP) and creatine kinase (CK) levels averaging 45.8 IU/L and 1,723 IU/L, respectively—considerably above reference values. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased in 71.3% of samples, averaging 250 IU/L. Lymphocytosis and heterophilia likely stem from FP, while elevated uric acid levels suggest dehydration. Increased CK values may directly result from stress and muscle exertion during gillnet capture. The study's findings indicate that turtles at Marina da Glória face compromised health, highlighted by FP prevalence exceeding 40% and hematological abnormalities. The bay endures significant pollution due to urban runoff, industrial discharge, and untreated sewage, introducing heavy metals, chemicals, microplastics, and pathogens that threaten marine health, including that of sea turtles. Addressing these environmental challenges is crucial for preserving turtle health and maintaining the bay's ecological balance.

Fluorescence – the property of absorbing light of one wavelength (color) and re-emitting it at a longer wavelength – has been recently observed in the skin, scales, hair, or feathers of a growing number of animals. The first record of fluorescence in sea turtles was reported in 2015, when it was observed that hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) will emit intricate patterns of green and red light from their carapace while loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) will emit a uniform green light from the paler scales and scute on their ventral surfaces. To further investigate how these patterns differ among other sea turtle species by assessing for the presence of fluorescence in green (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Using a blue flashlight (Sola NIGHTSEA light, NIGHTSEA, USA) emitting in the 440 – 460nm range, we illuminated adults from each of the three species at night as they emerged from the water to nest onto Playa Cabuyal in northwest Costa Rica. For filming, we used a Sony A7S III low-light camera with a long-pass filter that blocked all wavelengths shorter than 500nm. In addition, we used the same setup to film juvenile green and loggerhead turtles in an aquarium (Oceanografic) in Spain. In adult green turtles, we observed a uniform green fluorescence all over the skin as well as a mix of green and red fluorescence on the carapace. Yet when examining juvenile green turtles in captivity, we only observed green fluorescence on the paler scales and scute on their ventral surfaces and we did not observe any red fluorescence. While this could suggest a difference in fluorescence between life-stages, we think a more likely conclusion is that most green fluorescence, and potentially all the red fluorescence, observed in green turtles in the wild could be caused by algae on the turtles’ bodily surface. In adult olive ridley turtles, we observed a very dim, yellow-green fluorescence around the rim of the carapace and sides of the face, but it was largely absent from the flippers and the center of the carapace. Whether the relative lack of fluorescence in olive ridley turtles compared to green turtles is due to differences in their epibiotic algae communities or a true physiological difference between the species remains to be determined. Finally, in adult leatherback turtles, we observed dim green fluorescence on all body surfaces as well as very prominent red fluorescence above the eyes, the corners of the mouth, and around the neck. Considering that the locations of the red fluorescence coincided directly with areas where leatherback turtles have high, superficial blood flow, we think that this is likely driving the observed patterns. We conclude that there are a variety of factors leading to the production of a wide range of fluorescent patterns in sea turtles and further research is needed to determine the ecological implications of this eye-catching phenomena.

The gut microbiome is essential for maintaining host health, influencing immune responses, digestion, metabolic function, vitamin and amino acid synthesis, and the gut-brain axis. Disruptions in host-associated microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can result from various factors such as stress, environmental changes, and antibiotic use and have been associated with numerous health disorders, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Thus, understanding which beneficial microbial organisms are impacted during this shift from a healthy to a dysbiotic microbiome is important in developing clinical therapies. Even though advances in high throughput sequencing techniques have significantly expanded research on the gut microbiome of several hosts, much remains to be explored on marine hosts, such as sea turtles. Most prior research has relied on fecal or cloacal samples to infer sea turtles' gut microbiota composition. Although valuable, these samples are unreliable due to contamination from environmental and anatomical sources, potentially impacting the microbiome profiles. In a collaboration between King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), the first marine animal hospital has been established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this clinical setting, we will examine the gut microbiome of green and hawksbill sea turtles using a novel sampling technique to directly access the distal colon to more accurately assess the intestinal microbial landscape than from cloacal sources alone. In this longitudinal study, samples will be collected weekly from hospitalized turtles and compared to those from wild-caught turtles. Comprehensive physical examinations and blood work will be conducted on the wild turtles to determine their health status. Only healthy wild-caught turtles will be used as a baseline reference for comparison. In parallel to the next-generation sequencing investigative approaches, this study aims to use culturing techniques to isolate beneficial bacteria from healthy wild sea turtles to develop targeted microbial therapeutics at the SHAMS/KAUST Center for Veterinary Care. While probiotics are increasingly recognized in conservation medicine, their use in reptiles remains largely unexplored and entirely novel for sea turtles. This research seeks to bridge this gap by creating a framework for the selection and use of probiotics that can restore the gut microbiome of hospitalized animals, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health to support effective recovery prior to release. Insights into the dynamic of the 'core microbiome' of these species could serve as a diagnostic tool for detecting disease or compromised immunity. By advancing our understanding of the gut microbiome’s impact on sea turtle health, this study aims to refine clinical practices and ensure that hospitalized animals are returned to the wild in optimal condition.

Guanabara Bay, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is part of the metropolitan region and holds strategic importance due to its facilitation of activities such as fishing, navigation, and tourism. The bay hosts a diverse array of ecologically significant organisms but has suffered for decades from pollution, primarily from sewage discharge. This pollution introduces pathogens that can cause a variety of diseases. One resident species, Chelonia mydas (green turtles), is regularly exposed to these anthropogenic factors. Juvenile green turtles in polluted areas often present fibropapillomatosis, a disease characterised by the development of tumours. As bioindicator species, green turtles provide insights into environmental health, which has implications for human health as well, aligning with the One Health concept. This study aimed to identify bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes present in the microbiota of free-living green turtles using culture-independent methods. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 200 green turtles were captured across three sites at Guanabara Bay: Charitas (CNC), Marina da Glória (MG) and Urca (FSJ) (SISBIO License: 71913-4). The first two places were visually more polluted than Urca. Metadata such as curvilinear carapace length (CCL, cm), curvilinear carapace width (CCW, cm), weight (kg), and the presence of fibropapillomas (FP) were collected. Turtles from CNC and MG showed a higher incidence of FP and larger tumours compared to those from FSJ. Cloaca swabs were collected and preserved in DNA stabilisation liquid for metabarcoding and metagenomic analyses. Microbial taxonomy was determined through PCR barcoding of the 16SrRNA gene, using the V6V7V8 region, followed by massive parallel sequencing on the S5 ion torrent system. Sequencing reads were analysed using a metagenomics plugin in the CLC Genomics Workbench, with reference to the SILVA database. Results from 63 cloaca samples (22 from CNC, 19 from FSJ and 22 from MG) revealed a predominance of genus Moraxella in polluted areas (CNC, MG), a genus of significance in both veterinary and human medicine. In contrast, the genus Psychrobacter, which includes environmentally adapted species, was more prevalent in FSJ. Non-cultivable genera were abundant across all sites, irrespective of FP presence. Alpha diversity was significantly higher in FSJ than in MG, suggesting that turtles in more polluted sites harboured distinct microbial communities compared to those in less polluted locations. The analysis of 16S sequences provided a comprehensive representation of the gastrointestinal bacterial community, much of which remains non-cultivable using traditional microbial techniques.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of infectious diseases caused by fungi in marine ecosystems, presumably because of the rapid increase in ecological disturbances associated with anthropogenic climate change. Most fungi are opportunistic pathogens and increasing temperatures and regional shifts in precipitation can foster fungal overgrowth, dysbiosis, and ultimately lead to the development of fungal diseases. Unfortunately, research investigating fungi as a part of the microbiome is lagging far behind bacterial research and large data gaps persist. Filling these knowledge gaps is critical for imperiled species. The leatherback sea turtle is one such imperiled species and recent work has revealed that neonatal leatherbacks appear to be susceptible to fungal infections such as sea turtle egg fusariosis and mycotic dermatitis. Here we present the first fungal skin microbiota data from neonatal leatherbacks. Additionally, we identified shifts in measures of diversity that suggest increasing temperatures are altering the fungi present on the skin of neonatal leatherbacks. As the skin is a primary defense mechanism against the outside world, shifts in fungal organisms may result in disease and ultimately negatively impact overall fitness and survival. These data not only provide novel baseline fungal microbiota data but may also be used to elucidate a cause for the development of fungal infections and ultimately decreased survival of neonates that incubate at higher temperatures.

The worldwide increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem, due to the contamination of soil, water and animals using antimicrobials for fattening and disease prevention, as well as the uncontrolled use of antimicrobials by the human population. Efforts to deal with the spread of AMR require the adoption of a One Health approach. Bioindicator species are important to correlate with a particular anthropogenic factor or natural factor with potential impact and Chelonia mydas, is an example of a bioindicator species because they spend most of their lives in coastal environments, which exposes them to anthropogenic factors. Our objective was to evaluate the dissemination of microorganisms carrying resistance genes present in green turtles by comparing metagenomics and cultivation methods. Green turtles were captured in 2019 on Itaipu Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SISBIO License - number: 71913-1) in partnership with the Aruanã Project. Samples of biological material followed the collection guidelines and standards. Cloacal samples from 16 green turtles were collected using sterile swabs and conditioned in DNA preservation medium for metagenomic analysis and in a rich culture medium. Metagenomic analyses were carried out on samples preserved in DNA preservation liquid and on cultured metagenomes (culturomes). The sequences generated were analyzed for taxonomy and resistance genes. We observed less diversity in the culturomes compared to the metagenome. In the latter, Bacteroidia, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria predominated, in contrast to Bacilli, which were abundant in the culturomes. We found genes that confer resistance to antimicrobials widely used in human and environmental medicine, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, rifampicin and multidrug resistance. The biomonitoring of marine habitats will be of great value in regulating preservation programs and restricting the discharge of pollutants into the environment and could partly prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Wildlife identification through multimedia material has become very common, as it provides researchers with various tools for species care and conservation. One of these tools is photo-identification, a non-invasive method that uses animal photographs to recognize unique markings that distinguish individuals. This method which uses computer vision techniques, that have advanced rapidly in recent years, is cost-effective compared to other tagging methods. This method allows researchers to gather specific data, which is essential to understand species conditions and establish conservation goals, such as animal population estimates.

However, capturing photographic material in wildlife presents challenges, as it often takes place under uncontrolled conditions. Factors such as lighting, constant animal movement, heat distortion (caused by temperature differences between air and ground), and camera settings (such as shutter speed or dynamic range) may not always be optimized. While some of these settings can be adjusted, doing so for each shot would be time-consuming.

Using sophisticated equipment could address some of these issues, enabling higher resolution trough sensors that capture a larger number of pixel or support high dynamic range (HDR) images. However, this would significantly increase the cost of the photo-identification method in wildlife settings. Additionally, some factors, like adding external lighting or slowing down the animal's movement, are unfeasible in the wild.

This is important because given the variability of motion blur and/or defocus, image quality is degraded and the accuracy of image analysis algorithms used in photo-identification methods is reduced. In this work, we present an algorithm capable of accurately identifying individual sea turtles in photographs that exhibit such blur variability. By incorporating an initial step using deep learning algorithms for blind image deblurring, our approach enhances image quality. This improvement allows for highly accurate identifications of sea turtles in uncontrolled environments using traditional low-cost multimedia capture devices, eliminating the need for sophisticated equipment and maintaining photo-identification as a cost-effective method. In addition, this implementation improves the accuracy of the in-house developed multimedia tool, addressing its current limitations and expanding the possibilities for wildlife identification with materials that challenge computer vision tools.

This presentation examines the integration of sea turtle conservation and community engagement initiatives conducted in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, from January to September 2024. The Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative, in collaboration with Lagos Lagoon Waterkeeper and supported by A & F Wildlife Foundation Inc., implemented a multifaceted approach to marine conservation.

Key activities included monitoring 12 nesting sites along the Lekki-Ajah Coastline, intercepting poaching attempts, and relocating 127 sea turtle eggs to secure environments. Community outreach programs were pivotal, offering economic alternatives to Indigenous populations traditionally involved in illegal poaching such as the provision of safe and drinking water in the community. Educational initiatives, such as citizen science programs and establishing eco-clubs in schools, were instrumental in fostering environmental stewardship among local youth.

The presentation will discuss the challenges encountered, including funding constraints and policy enforcement issues, and will highlight the strategies employed to overcome these obstacles. The outcomes underscore the significance of community involvement and cross-sector partnerships in achieving sustainable marine conservation goals.

Keywords: Marine conservation, sea turtles, community engagement, biodiversity, habitat restoration, Lagos Lagoon.

South-South cooperation, which refers to collaboration between developing or southern countries, has emerged as a strategic approach to address common global challenges, particularly in areas such as environmental protection. This cooperation, characterized by partnerships between countries of the South to solve common problems and share knowledge and resources, plays a vital role in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems. Benin, in West Africa, and Brazil, in South America, although geographically distant, share similar environmental challenges, including the conservation of marine species (sea turtles, whales, manatees) and the preservation of coastal areas. In this context, non-governmental organizations such as Nature Tropicale, which have been working to preserve biodiversity for over thirty years, play a key and leading role in facilitating cooperation between these two countries. The expertise of Projeto TAMAR of Brazil in the protection of sea turtles and other marine and coastal resources, which dates back more than forty years, could well set a precedent in West Africa, starting with Benin. With the support of the Brazilian state and several companies including PETROBAS, Projeto TAMAR manages 1,100 km of protected and monitored beaches with approximately 2 millions nests protected per year and 16 monitored fisheries where standardized data has been collected since 1981. More than 1,800 direct and indirect jobs are created, more than a million visitors per year in its 22 environmental education centers. These centers generate more than 75% of resources through self-financing. The Projeto TAMAR is an example of success in the conservation of sea turtles and management marine and coastal resources. Through an integrated approach combining scientific research, awareness raising, education, local cooperation and sustainable tourism. As a prelude to the establishment of South-South partnership between Benin and Brazil, a Brazilian delegation visited Benin in June 2024 for a prospecting mission of experts in the conservation of endangered marine and coastal fauna. Brazilian experts in the conservation of sea turtles and other endangered species worked for a week with Beninese for the preservation of sea turtles, the African manatee and whales. This mission made it possible to realize the realities of the conservation of sea turtles and other emblematic species in Benin and in the sub-region. The delegation met authorities at various levels and local communities, active with Nature Tropicale in the field. There were very fruitful working sessions to note the challenges faced by the populations. During the various discussions, endogenous practices for preserving resources that are often not taken into account in legislation were discussed; aspects related to the creation of the sanctuary for the conservation of whales in the South Atlantic. Following this Brazilian mission to Benin, discussions will continue between the two countries for the development of a project that will be the subject of cooperation for the conservation and promotion of marine and coastal species including sea turtles, whales and the African manatee in wetlands at a time when Benin has committed to create Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This project could be expanded to countries in the Atlantic sub-region of Africa.

Sea turtles, critical to healthy marine ecosystems, face numerous threats. The Olive Ridley Project - Kenya investigates the effectiveness of community-led conservation in mitigating these threats, focusing on fisherfolk engagement in Kwale County, Kenya.

We explore methods, benefits, challenges, and initial outcomes of a collaborative approach with 9 Beach Management Units consisting of 31 landing sites along a 50 km coastline. While fishers demonstrate enthusiasm for sea turtle conservation, limitations in funding, training, and access to information hinder their efforts. Our program addresses these limitations through targeted outreach, raising awareness, and fostering co-creation of conservation strategies. Notably, the program prioritizes balanced participation across gender, age, and stakeholder groups, ensuring inclusivity from authorities to fishers and community members.

This study sheds light on the potential of community-led conservation for sea turtle protection. Initial findings indicate high fisherfolk engagement, with over 120 fishers trained and 91 certified as Sea Turtle Ambassadors highlighting the importance of addressing resource limitations. We present a framework for overcoming these challenges and fostering long-term, inclusive conservation efforts.

In 2019, SEE Turtles launched our Sea Turtle Week campaign, inspired by and expanding on an effort by NOAA to highlight their work to protect sea turtles. Since, Sea Turtle Week has evolved into a global celebration of these animals taking place every June. The week begins on June 8th (WorldOceans Day) and runs until June 16th (World Sea Turtle Day), with each day in between focused on a different species and threat. Each year, the campaign has reached more than 8 million people to educate and inspire action for these animals.

Since then, we have partnered with more than 100 organizations around the world to reach more than 8 million people each year. The program has developed a variety of outreach materials including social media graphics, a video series, and student lesson plans. The campaign also runs contests including a student art contest, a photography contest, and an in-person Global Ocean Cleanup in collaboration with the Oceanic Society. The Sea Turtle Week social media network has grown dramatically with more than 13,000 followers across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. On these networks, we highlight partners and individuals, share information year round, and more. We will be presenting information on how organizations and individuals can participate and how to be eligible for grants, contests, and promotion.

Characterized by a coastal strip approximately 39 kilometers long, interrupted by two estuaries—the Congo River and Tonde estuaries—the coastal area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located between 5°46’ and 6°03’ South latitude and 12°12’ and 12°22’ East longitude. Stretching between the point of Banana and the Angolan enclave of Cabinda, this maritime façade runs in a northwest-southeast direction. The coastal strip is connected to the mainland by the Bangu Mountain chain.

In several locations along this coastline, from September to the end of February each year, olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea, 95%) and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea, 5%) come to nest.

Several villages are located along this coastline, including BANANA, TONDE/MUANDA Village, NSIAMFUMU, KONG, TSHIENDE, and MALONGO. These densely populated villages are home to fishermen and their dependents, who also practice market gardening.

During the nesting season, these communities intentionally or accidentally capture sea turtles at sea or on the nesting beaches. Some poachers destroy the nests that have not been identified in time to be relocated to hatcheries.

Despite wildlife laws in the DRC that protect sea turtles and their eggs, the poverty and food insecurity faced by these populations lead them to view sea turtle eggs and meat as valuable food sources and/or items to sell for a modest income.

Thus, environmental education and awareness is a crucial lever for action. Awareness-raising and educational activities are therefore central and ongoing in our sea turtle conservation projects in Central Africa in general, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in particular.

With the support of a donor and the assistance of the Central Africa Sea Turtle Conservation Network (RASTOMA), the CICOBIO NGO has educated and raised awareness among 319 individuals.

To reach an even broader audience, we also record radio programs in local studios, which are broadcast monthly.

In a local context where anthropogenic pressures on these endangered species are high and the enforcement of laws is insufficient, it is essential to mobilize more resources to reverse the current decline in sea turtle populations observed in Central Africa.

Bibliography

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). (2021). Sea Turtle Conservation and Management Guidelines. CITES Secretariat.
• FAO. (2020). Report on the State of Sea Turtle Populations in Central Africa. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Ramsar Convention. (2018). Wetlands of International Importance and Sea Turtle Conservation. Ramsar Convention Secretariat.
• RASTOMA. (2023). Annual Report on Sea Turtle Conservation in Central Africa. RASTOMA Network.
• CICOBIO. (2024). CICOBIO's Contribution to Sea Turtle Conservation in the DRC: Education and Awareness Campaigns. CICOBIO NGO.

The Gulf of Guinea is home to critical sea turtle nesting sites, particularly on Príncipe Island in São Tomé and Príncipe, with key breeding sites for species such as the green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). Despite national and international protections, these endangered populations face threats such as poaching, habitat degradation, and limited local awareness. Fundação Príncipe, a local conservation organisation on Príncipe Island, has pioneered educational initiatives aimed at fostering environmental stewardship among school-going children as a long-term strategy for sea turtle conservation.

By integrating environmental education alongside primary and secondary school curricula, Fundação Príncipe has cultivated a generation of young conservation advocates with a nuanced understanding of sea turtle ecology and the human impacts on these species. Educational activities included; beach cleanups, turtle-nesting monitoring activities, and interactive workshops. These have heightened students' awareness of their island’s unique biodiversity and the vital role they play in its preservation. Research suggests that such education can significantly improve pro-environmental behaviours in children and, by extension, their families and communities, fostering a culture of conservation (Mogias & Boubonari, 2019; Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002).

Environmental education as a conservation tool is particularly crucial on Príncipe, where livelihood practices have historically intersected with wildlife resources. By empowering youth with ecological knowledge, Fundação Príncipe’s programme addresses root causes of sea turtle threats, promoting sustainable practices that respect local traditions while protecting biodiversity. These efforts align with São Tomé and Príncipe’s national objectives to strengthen community-based conservation, contribute to marine protected area management, and fulfil regional agreements such as the Abidjan Convention. Moreover, this programme serves as a scalable model for the Gulf of Guinea, where similar pressures on biodiversity exist, highlighting the potential for replication in other island and coastal communities.

We discuss Fundação Príncipe’s programme design, key achievements, and challenges, emphasising the value of environmental education as an effective, long-term strategy for sea turtle conservation. Through this case study, we underscore the role of education in building local capacity for conservation, illustrating how community-driven initiatives can contribute to the preservation of ecologically and culturally significant species within the Gulf of Guinea.

References:

Mogias, A., & Boubonari, T. (2019). Environmental education’s impact on children’s environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior.

Kollmuss, A., & Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the Gap: Why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior?

Sea turtles are found in a vast range of marine ecosystems that cover more than 65% of the planet’s surface, but the academic field of marine conservation is relatively nascent. Sometimes considered a subfield of conservation biology while alternately labeled as independent fields of study, it is inherently interdisciplinary. Conservation of sea turtle ecosystems is robust and multifaceted, practiced by professionals in academia, industry, non-profit, and government settings, each of which has unique approaches to protecting the oceans. The vastness of these challenges invites, and demands, new pedagogical approaches to effectively train the next generation of scientists and practitioners.

The University of Florida School of Natural Resources & Environment partnered with the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center to develop a short field course for students to provide immersive, hands-on exposure to marine conservation in practice, with a particular sea turtle focus. Experiential learning focused on practice rather than theory presented students a chance to scaffold their learning, building a stronger appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of these conservation challenges. Focus was placed on several disciplines involved in sea turtle conservation, engaging practitioners and organizations beyond typical academic settings.

Students were able to effectively build their learning through the course. Their learning scaffolded notably, from the initial baseline engagement in pre-departure meetings, which posed introductory questions, to the travel, which built more complex understandings and examples on a daily basis, ultimately ending with notably more involved post-trip reflection, tasking students to reflect on the ways their own career trajectories might intersect with marine conservation and how their understanding of the topic as a collaborative interdisciplinary project had been informed by their observations during the course.

The post-trip reflections as well as the students’ evaluations of the course showed high student satisfaction, with several noting that they enjoyed learning while having the chance to travel and have fun, which was inherently linked to the structure of the course. Students expressed excitement about the chance to see sea turtle science in action. The most affirming comment received indicated that the class was a chance to engage with the full cycle of science, illustrating a deep engagement with complexities of both marine conservation and of science more broadly.

Beyond these qualitative-driven conclusions, the course was also a success; it had a waitlist and ultimately had an enrollment above capacity. The success of our course provides a case study for future pedagogical strategies, emphasizing that there is both a need and demand for courses with experiential learning components in higher level science education institutions which can simultaneously provide a clear benefit to sea turtle conservation. Our experience with this course illustrates that students want to learn the material that faculty are able to teach, and they want to do it in creative and hands-on ways.

Bycatch in artisanal fisheries is considered one of the most significant threats to sea turtles in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Over the past 10-15 years, the widespread adoption of unsustainable net fisheries, coupled with the abandonment of more selective, lower-impact fishing gear, has become a concerning trend in the region. The nearshore waters and foraging grounds of sea turtles in Mozambique overlap directly with the resource use of artisanal fishers, exacerbating the bycatch issue.

To address this challenge, a collaborative conservation initiative was launched in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP), uniting various stakeholders, including marine protected area (MPA) management staff, law enforcement personnel, community monitors, conservation biologists, and artisanal fishers. The initiative's goal was to enhance awareness and foster engagement among these groups to improve outcomes for turtles caught in nearshore seagrass seine net fisheries.

In this program, the conservation team worked closely with community fisheries monitors and artisanal fishers from the nearby island communities of Sitone and Zengulemo. The team utilized fisher-caught turtles as subjects for satellite tagging. During the tagging campaigns, the conservation team collaborated directly with fishers to assist in net retrieval and turtle handling. Turtles were then measured, flipper-tagged, photographed for individual identification, and equipped with satellite tags (Lotek FastGPS F6 series, 2023-2024) and acoustic tags (2024).

Two field campaigns were conducted in 2023 (satellite tagged turtles: n = 7, total turtles processed: n = 17) and 2024 (satellite tagged turtles: n = 20, acoustic tagged turtles: n = 31, total processed: n = 52), processing a total of 69 turtles over approximately 15 days across two field trips. This study presents preliminary findings from this multi-stakeholder tagging project, highlighting key methodological insights and the engagement of artisanal fishers. High levels of overlap between artisanal fisheries and the foraging grounds of resident sea turtles (Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta) were detected within the park.

Additionally, the study facilitated the development of critical relationships with local fishers, improving the understanding of their perspectives on bycatch and the challenges it presents for park management. These insights are invaluable in shaping future strategies to mitigate bycatch and enhance the conservation status of sea turtles in the region.

Bycatch mortality is considered a major threat to marine megafauna worldwide. REDUCE is one of the current projects aimed at increasing knowledge and mitigating the impact of bycatch on marine megafauna, concentrating efforts on the Central-East Atlantic. This project is collecting information from a variety of sources including fisheries observers, interviews with fishers and tagging of animals. Here we present an initiative to assess and, where possible, improve the potential for collecting information about bycatch mortality from strandings. This initiative aims to build a robust, effective and independent long-term framework to monitor stranded marine megafauna for a better understanding of the threats faced, rooted in unity and collaboration. Robustness will be pursued by creating a strong, stable and extensive network of stakeholders with the opportunity to attend strandings and collect information from such valuable events. Effectiveness is sought by learning from stakeholders and promoting the exchange of information among them, accounting for ongoing initiatives with similar or complementary objectives, and providing the necessary logistic support to collect data and samples. Independence is sought by adapting data collection methods to local constraints, developing training workshops to strengthen skills, and strengthening network links by creating a platform for internal communication. Individual meetings and collective roundtables with stakeholders from more than 10 countries in the Central-East Atlantic have provided information on their current situation regarding stranding attendance, the methods used to collect data and samples, and the limitations they face. Systematic collection of basic data such as species, location, dates and photographs is frequent, but collection of relevant information and samples to diagnose the cause of stranding or death is really rare. Despite the limitations, our conversations with numerous stakeholders suggest that there is a common and strong willingness to make progress on this issue. Even though these are first steps, collection of new data and samples has already started in a few locations, based on adaptations of existing protocols. From now until the end of the REDUCE project in December 2027, we hope to make the unions stronger and the collaborations more effective as mentioned above, to support an independent network of organisations with increased potential to collect information on the impact of bycatch and other threats on marine megafauna.

The study on bycatch of sea turtles was conducted in two fishing zones in southern Morocco: Tan-Tan (Zone A) from January 1 to June 15, 2024, involving 60 monitored fishing vessels, and south of Sidi El Ghazi (Zone B) during the winter octopus fishing season from January 1 to March 31, 2024, with 45 vessels targeted. Overall, the study reported 75 incidental captures across both zones, primarily consisting of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). In Zone A (Tan-Tan), 30 bycatch were recorded among the 60 fishing vessels, all identified as loggerhead turtles. The captures primarily came from coastal trawlers (73%), with smaller contributions from small-scale fishing boats (13%), and longliners and purse seiners (7%). In Zone B (South of Sidi El Ghazi): 45 bycatch of sea turtles are reported, with 36 from industrial trawlers and 9 from coastal trawlers. The average capture depth was 51.53 meters. In terms of the sizes of the 75 captured turtles, the curved carapace length (CCL) ranged from 24 cm to 80.2 cm, with an average of 54.76 cm. The curved carapace width (CCW) varied from 22 cm to 80 cm, averaging 50.66 cm. Descriptive analysis revealed that 83% of the captured turtles were juveniles (CCL < 70 cm), with the most frequent size class being between 50 cm and 60 cm, which accounted for 32% of the total captures. The spatial distribution of captures in both zones underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies to address the high rates of turtle bycatch, along with considerations of capture depths that may influence turtle vulnerability in these fishing areas.

Light pollution is a major threat to loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) as it can negatively affect nesting females and disorientate hatchlings, reducing their survival rates. Therefore, effective management of light pollution on beaches and the implementation of mitigation measures are crucial in areas where sea turtle nesting occurs. In this context, the beaches of the western Mediterranean Sea have become particularly vulnerable, as the entire coastline has recently experienced a significant increase in loggerhead nesting activity due to global warming (particularly in Italy, France, and Spain). As a result, managers of these beaches are facing a new and unprecedented situation. This is the case in Catalonia, northern Spain, where beaches—like those along the Spanish Mediterranean coast—are highly developed and heavily frequented by tourists during the summer, making light pollution a big potential impact to consider, particularly as nesting activity is expected to increase next years. Along the Catalan coastline, which spans approximately 280 km, this upward trend in nesting activity has already been particularly noticeable in the last decade, reaching 31 nests from a total of 80 detected in Spain. A record of 10 nests in Catalonia was attained in 2023.

This study aims to provide a preliminary characterisation of the artificial light at night (ALAN) present on Catalan beaches, in order to identify optimal areas along the coast and also determine the most problematic sites, with the future objective of improving management practices to support sea turtle nesting and species conservation.

Preliminary data were collected from several representative Catalan beaches using a Sky Quality Meter (SQM), which measures night sky brightness in magnitudes per square arcsecond (mag/arcsec²) to quantify light pollution, and a lux meter, which measures illumination in lux, to assess the intensity of artificial lighting at nesting sites. The SQM recorded high quality night sky values in areas such as the Ebro Delta Natural Park, where readings exceeded 21 mag/arcsec² at the zenith, indicating very good night sky quality. This area corresponds to Catalonia’s highest light protection category (E1), which includes the park's marine zone. In contrast, values below 17 mag/arcsec² were recorded at some other beaches, indicating poor night sky quality. Lux measurements were taken at turtle eye level and typically ranged between 0 and 0.3 lux at most sites, although some areas exceeded 3 lux. The study provides preliminary data on ALAN along the Catalan coast, identifying areas with the best levels of sky darkness (with potential to support nesting activity) and pinpointing light pollution hotspots.

This research is part of the national InGeNi-Caretta project, which aims to assess the suitability of Spanish Mediterranean beaches for loggerhead sea turtle nesting. In addition, light pollution technicians from the Catalan government (Generalitat de Catalunya) contributed to the ALAN assessment of the study area. The project’s findings will improve conservation strategies and guide effective light pollution mitigation measures to support this vulnerable species as nesting continues to expand in the western Mediterranean.

Heavy metal pollutants resulting from anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural runoff and mining, can pose a serious threat to marine life. In particular, the long persistence of heavy metals in the marine environment coupled with the continued and increased impact due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification are of significant concern. In most cases, the development and survival of the affected individuals are threatened, and heavy metals can also negatively impact predator species.

Sea turtles are one of the taxa that are vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity in both the aquatic (e.g., foraging) and terrestrial (e.g., embryo developmental) habitats occupied by different life stages. However, the potential for heavy metals to have an impact at both the individual and population level has yet to be determined. We are conducting a systematic review to examine literature that investigates the impact of heavy metals on sea turtles. Searching peer-reviewed literature published up to 2024 has identified 119 relevant research publications, from which data on location, species, life-stage, tissue examined, heavy metals detected or examined, and evidence of effects at the individual and population-level is being extracted. Our findings synthesise the current body of research on this threat to sea turtles, identify research gaps, and give direction to new studies investigating the scale and impact of heavy metals on sea turtles.

Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMC) is a sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility on Naifaru Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives. Established in 2012 to combat the illegal pet trade of sea turtle hatchlings, a serious threat to the turtle population in this archipelago. AMC expanded in 2016 to treat turtles of all ages affected by anthropogenic threats, such as entanglement in marine debris. By understanding the epidemiology of AMC’s turtle admissions, insights into regional threats and trends can be gained, supporting targeted conservation and community outreach efforts.

Despite this expansion, hatchlings remain the most common patients, with a hatchling-to-juvenile/adult ratio of 0.6. Of these, 82% are admitted due to poaching for illegal pet trade, followed by only 5% found disoriented due to habitat degradation. In contras, since 2016, AMC has admitted over 100 juvenile and adult turtles, with 75% entangled in marine debris, 16% suffering from buoyancy disorders of unknown origin, 3% struck by watercraft, 4% ingesting foreign objects, and 3% admitted for other causes. AMC has successfully rehabilitated and released 55 of them, including 47 entanglement victims, though the mortality rate remains 11% for these cases. In addition, a peak in entanglement cases is observed between January and March, which is related to the northeast monsoon season.

Data collection at AMC has faced challenges, including early reliance on volunteer staff, limited technological resources, and gaps in records from 2020–2021 due to COVID-19. Despite these limitations, findings confirm that poaching for pet trade and entanglement remain critical threats to sea turtles in the Maldives.Poaching for consumption—a suspected but underreported risk—remains unaddressed due to the lack of comprehensive data in this area. Ultimately, AMC’s work highlights the ongoing need for targeted conservation efforts to protect vulnerable sea turtle populations from both poaching and entanglement in the region.

Over the years, plastic production has increased to astonishing numbers and is predicted to continue. Sea turtles are known to mistake plastic for prey, which can result in gut compaction, perforation, and chemical leaching. This study compared marine debris ingestion across species and ontogenically, as different species and life stages inhabit different habitats which will influence exposure and thus risk. Plastic ingestion was investigated by collecting contents from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of freshly euthanized or dead sea turtle carcasses in Florida. All work was performed under FWC permit MTP053 to SLM. We collected 104 GI tracts from loggerheads (Caretta caretta) (n=28), greens (Chelonia mydas) (n=61), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) (n=2), and Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) (n=13) sea turtles. The contents were digested with 10% KOH and filtered through a 2mm mesh metal filter. Plastics were then categorized and imaged. Nearly half (48%) of turtles overall were found with marine debris in their GI tract. Plastics were found in all species; ranging from 2/2 hawksbills (both washbacks) down to loggerheads with the lowest rate of ingestion (14%). Marine debris was found in all age classifications where washbacks had the highest presence (80%) and adults the lowest (19%). In total we found 2010 individual pieces of plastic across the 104 individuals; one green sea turtle washback had 779 pieces in the GI tract. A female, juvenile green sea turtle had the longest piece of marine debris at 463.7cm in length. White marine debris and hard marine debris were the most common color and type of marine debris ingested. This study is essential for conservation as it investigates the widespread ingestion of marine debris among sea turtles. Researching these patterns helps inform stakeholders and legislators on what actions are needed to reduce plastic pollution, mitigate its effects, and protect organisms and their habitats.

Intense fishing efforts can lead to high capture and mortality of species not targeted by fisheries (i.e., bycatch). To reduce bycatch of threatened marine species, especially sea turtles, bycatch reduction technologies and gear modifications (BRTs) have been developed and tested in collaboration with fishers under simulated and actual fishing conditions. However, there is limited research on what factors contribute to fishers' willingness to participate in bycatch reduction initiatives, including testing of BRTs. We used coastal fisheries in Baja California Sur, Mexico as a study system to first test what factors influence fishers’ willingness to participate in bycatch reduction initiatives for sea turtles, and second evaluate the experiences of fishers who have previously participated in BRT trials. We conducted 98 structured interviews with coastal fishers from 11 fishing communities using a mixed-methods approach. For each open-ended question, we used inductive coding to identify a set of common themes among fisher responses. Upon asking fishers if they would be interested in participating in a scientific experiment testing BRTs, we found 94% (n=92) of fishers agreed to participate. Most common reasons for fishers' willingness to participate in BRT experiments were interest in conservation and protecting the environment (27%), protecting fish stocks (17%), and desire to learn something new (16%). From the 6% (n=6) of fishers who indicated they would not be willing to participate in BRT experiments, their decision was primarily due to physically not being able to participate (43%). From our sample, we identified 13% (n=13) of fishers who participated previously in BRT experiments; where 92% of these reported an overall positive experience. Experiencing no negative impact on target catch (23%) was commonly considered a positive reason for participating in the experiment, while experiencing fieldwork challenges (31%) was often a reason for discouraging participation. Our findings shed light on the importance of understanding fisher perspectives toward developing fisher-friendly and sustainable solutions to reduce sea turtle bycatch.

Plastic is the most abundant marine anthropogenic debris in the ocean and is of serious global environmental concern. The location of small remote islands in the ocean and dynamics affecting plastic deposition on their coastline makes them regions of interest for monitoring marine plastic debris. Monitoring and conserving these island habitats is vital due to the potential direct and indirect harm caused to sea turtles by plastic pollution in the water and on nesting beaches. This study provides novel baseline information on the quantities of marine debris found on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. Príncipe has important breeding, foraging, and nesting grounds for four threatened sea turtle species including one of the last remaining hawksbill turtle nesting aggregations in the region. A total of 13,196 items were collected with 64.5% of these items being plastic. Plastic pieces the size of 2.5–50 cm made up 20.8% of all plastic items, followed by plastic bags (13.3%) and fishing material (11.39%). The density of mesoplastic items (5mm) ranged between 0 and 6.78 items m− 2 . Beach location, community presence, and beach level were important factors in explaining differences in plastic abundance and density around the island. This study highlighted that significantly higher proportions of plastic accumulated along the turtle nesting line (TNL) than the strandline (SDL) on critical nesting beaches. This pattern aligns with findings in other studies on remote islands, and raises concerns, as the TNL serves as an indicator of plastic accumulation in nesting areas and risks posed by excessive accumulation. Long-term monitoring of plastic accumulation on these beaches is important for the evaluation of seasonal or annual variations impacting debris accumulation on the beach which can then be compared with sea turtle nesting seasonality. Our results highlight the significance of high plastic pollution accumulation on remote island habitats for sea turtles.

Studying injury and mortality patterns is vital to understanding what is needed for threatened and endangered sea turtles to recover. These types of studies are needed as the area is about to undergo massive coastal development. The objective of this study was to examine the anthropogenic and natural attributed mortality and injury patterns of sea turtles in the Egyptian Red Sea. Sea turtle survival in the Red Sea is now dependent upon the intensity of anthropogenic factors. Fishing was attributed as the major source of mortality, while boat strikes were attributed as the major source of injuries. We observed an urban coastal effect as anthropogenic mortality and injuries were more intense within the vicinity of largest city. There is some intentional harvesting of hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, and stranding data suggest that current stranding rates for the critically endangered hawksbill turtles may not be sustainable. The breeding and nesting season were particularly dangerous for sea turtles due to the higher than expected stranding and mortality during this period. This study provides a baseline to assess future changes in the intensity of anthropogenic disturbances in the Red Sea.

The only representative of its genus, the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest and most distinctive of the seven marine turtle species and is unique for having a soft skin which covers its osteoderms. The species is well adapted to deep diving, cold water endurance and long migratory movements but its ecology remains largely unknown. Leatherbacks face numerous direct and indirect threats around the world. Investigations of stranded animals can provide important insights into the health status of a population and the nature of anthropogenic threats. Understanding the causes of death and their relative prevalence is essential for conservation and management.

A total of 191 leatherback turtles stranded along the Andalusia coast between 2007 and 2024. The 191 reported stranding events show significant interannual variation over the period, with a peak of 15% in 2015 followed by around 10% in 2011, 2020 and 2024. Seasonally, strandings were most frequent (81%, n=154) between April and October. Geographically, 70% (n=134) of reported strandings occurred along the South Atlantic Demarcation, primarily in Huelva (n=72) and the western region of Cádiz (n=61).

Complete standardized necropsies were able to be conducted in 7 animals: 2014 (n=1), 2020 (n=3), 2022 (n=1), and 2024 (n=2). All seven turtles (100%) showed good nutritional status (undigested or partially digested food), gas embolism, and hepatic as well as generalized congestion. All but one (86%) showed bronchoalveolar and alveolar edema, hemorrhages, intestinal mucosal congestion with a segmental pattern, increased fluid in the coelomic cavity and gas in the cardiovascular system. In addition, five (71%) showed multiple areas of skin abrasions, ulceration and necrosis in the plastron and/or carapace, consistent with entanglement in fishing gear. Three (43%) of the turtles showed pulmonary emphysema. The preliminary results indicate that the most probable cause of death in all seven cases is interaction with fishing gear.

From many years, the study of the cause of death in sea turtles was not part of the regional stranding response protocol this has been a key factor limiting the number of cases analyzed. Our projects have shown the feasibility and conservation value of conducting comprehensive, standardized necropsies and reaching presumptive diagnoses. It is thus essential for administrations to allocate long-term resources to sustain these studies, which are vital for identifying threats and implementing priority mitigation measures. Already the evidence suggests that interactions with fishing gear pose a significant threat to this species, highlighting the urgent need for further study and the development of effective mitigation strategies.

TurtleWatch Egypt (TWE) is a citizen science initiative focused on monitoring and protecting marine turtles in the Egyptian Red Sea through data collection and photo identification. By engaging divers, snorkelers, local citizens, and partnering with local authorities, TWE gathers crucial information on marine turtle abundance and distribution in the region. While most reports capture sightings of turtles in the water, TWE occasionally documents cases of stranded, injured, or deceased turtles along the coastline, which has recently evidenced a new, emerging and serious threat.

In 2024, TWE and the National Park (NP) received a concerning report from a local resident who found a critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) stranded on the shore. Upon examination, the NP team found the turtle alive but severely mutilated, with no skin on its head and carapace. This incident marks the first recorded instance of a turtle found alive with such severe injuries, although it is not an isolated case. A similar incident occurred in 2018, when a deceased hawksbill turtle was reported with comparable injuries, including the removal of the carapace’s keratin layer. Further sightings of dead turtles with similar carapace damage along the Egyptian Red Sea coast indicate a troubling, deliberate pattern of harm, likely linked to certain fishing practices, as suggested by environmental authorities.

The specific targeting of the turtles’ heads and carapaces leaves them highly vulnerable to infection, exposure, and eventual death from starvation, regardless of their immediate survival. The recurrence of such incidents underscores an urgent need for investigation and action. The absence of a regional rehabilitation center and limited access to trained personnel constrain emergency response efforts. Currently, the NP and TWE relies on the expertise of international veterinarians, who assist by evaluating cases and providing guidance on treatment options.

As keystone species, sea turtles play a critical role in marine ecosystems, maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which in turn support diverse marine life and contribute to the sustainability of local fisheries. In response to these events, the NP and TWE, are planning workshops to engage fishermen, promoting awareness on the conservation importance of marine turtles. Additionally, the NP and TWE are organizing surveys to assess the extent and impact of these incidents on the local turtle population. These efforts aim to raise awareness, correct misconceptions, and foster shared responsibility for protecting critically endangered sea turtles, crucial for marine ecosystem health and regional fishing sustainability. There is also a pressing need to organize specialized training courses for local veterinarians who can respond effectively to such cases under the guidance of international experts. This highlights the necessity of securing funding to support these training programs and ensure sustained conservation efforts.

In summary, a coordinated approach of education, law enforcement, and community involvement is essential to protect the critically endangered sea turtles of the Red Sea.

The abundance of microplastics (MPs) on beach sediments is considered to have tripled over the course of the past two decades. While stranded at the beach, MPs tend to be easily distributed within the sediment layers through erosion and accretion processes that control the sediment volume. Due to their unnatural weathering patterns (a result of their chemical properties), MPs were shown to increase the permeability, porosity, and temperature of beach sediments due to their high specific heat capacity (especially for dark-colored MPs). This is a highly significant threat to the development of sea turtles' eggs which are influenced by temperature in terms of the duration, sex determination, and successful hatching of the offspring. Hence, the occurrence of high abundances of MPs within the sand in turtle nests can have a negative impact on the species' next generations. This work investigates the occurrence of MPs on sea turtle nests in very important nesting areas of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) in Albania and Greece, olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) in the Maldives, and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles in Japan. Using Raman spectroscopy, we determine the polymer types of the identified MPs, and use statistical analysis to evaluate the impact of different polymer types and abundance of MPs on the environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) of the nests.

Current research on sea turtle behavior leaves much of their social preferences and habits vastly unexplored. Very little is known about the fine-scale risk assessments that drive the daily behaviors of juvenile green sea turtles, a species whose survival depends on strategic energy expenditure, at a critically vulnerable life stage. This in-water observation investigated the patterns of behavior among a cohort of 10 juvenile green sea turtles along northern Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Over 23 hours of daily foraging activities were recorded at this “multiple use” marine protected area by a single researcher in January and May, 2021.
Behavior was analyzed using an ethogram of 13 discrete physical activities, assisted by face-scale identification. We found that these turtles perform a range of adaptive behaviors in response to external stimuli, including one specific gesture that might be interpreted as a directly intentional act of expression.
Gaining insight into how juvenile greens adapt to potential risks at this critically underexamined life stage can inform conservation practices, guide policy decisions, and improve their future prospects for survival.

Biotelemetry technology has helped to describe and explain sea turtle movement patterns, behaviors, and habitat use. However, electronic tags may cease transmitting for various reasons, limiting the duration and quality of data collected. A better understanding of when and why tags stop transmitting may inform solutions to mitigate against early tag failure and maximize tag retention. For leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), tag attachment protocols are constantly being refined to determine ‘best-in-practice’ guidelines. These include exploring alternative materials and/or attachment locations to maximize retention rates and improve animal welfare (i.e., reducing pain response and drag effects). For example, the typical attachment site for archival and acoustic tags deployed on leatherbacks is the pygal process; however, the size and shape of this region varies across individuals, making it difficult to determine the optimal and safest location to attach the tag. This study aims to investigate tag retention rates between nylon-coated and monofilament wires and experiment with two attachment procedures for acoustic transmitters to reduce pain responses from the turtles. A total of 71 Wildlife Computers, Inc. SPLASH10-295 (N=33) and Sea Mammal Research Unit CTD/SRDL (N=5) satellite and Vemco V16-4x (N=33) acoustic transmitters were attached to nesting leatherbacks (N=59) during 2019–2024 on Juno/Jupiter Beach, Florida USA and Pacuare Nature Reserve, Costa Rica. The first 13 satellite transmitters were affixed with a nylon-coated stainless-steel wire, and for the remaining 25 tags, a monofilament line with a 300 lb. test was used. Satellite tags were affixed to the medial carapacial ridge, marginally posterior to the highest point. Tagging procedures and materials were identical for all satellite tags except for the two types of wire. Twenty-three acoustic tags were affixed to the pygal process using stainless-steel (N=13) and monofilament (N= 10) wires, Delrin buttons, crimps, and beads; however, turtles tagged in Florida (N=15) exhibited a negative reaction (i.e., flailed front flippers) to the drilling process (N=12), but did not abandon egg laying or nest covering. Additionally, blood and other tissues can fall into the clutch if towels are not held under the drilling site, further complicating this method. As such, the attachment site was moved to the medial ridge in 2024 (N=10) to eliminate this pain response. For satellite tags, the mean (±SD) duration of the monofilament line (326 ± 196 days) is significantly longer (P = < 0.001) than the stainless-steel wire (73 ± 69 days). For acoustic transmitters, no significant differences (P= 0.4) were found between the mean (±SD) duration of the stainless-steel wire (272 ± 319 days) and monofilament line (75 ± 98 days). Results suggest monofilament lines provide longer retention rates than nylon-coated stainless-steel wires. Previous studies have noted the use of a variety of wires to attach transmitters, but rarely attribute these materials as the reason for premature tag detachment. Additionally, turtles did not exhibit any negative reaction to attachment procedures on the medial ridge for acoustic transmitters, reducing pain and eliminating the possibility of nest abandonment or clutch contamination from excess tissue during the drilling process.

Satellite telemetry has been increasingly used during the last decades to investigate loggerhead sea turtles’ movement patterns, which are known to vary according to the turtle’s life stage. Juveniles are thought to progressively move from oceanic to neritic habitats, a shift that in the Mediterranean can already occur in turtles as small as 26 cm curved carapace length (CCL). However, some studies also highlighted that Mediterranean turtles in sub-adult and adult size ranges (>60 cm) still continue to use oceanic foraging areas. We intended to investigate the habitat use and preference of such large turtles in the Tyrrhenian Sea through satellite telemetry. During the period May-June 2024, we caught six free-ranging, healthy loggerhead turtles in a pelagic area approximately 10 km offshore from Ventotene island’s Marine Protected Area (Western Italy) and equipped them with Satellite-linked Data Loggers (SDL). Tagging operations took place on the boat used for spotting the turtles, and each turtle was released within an hour, in the same location of its capture. A seventh turtle, ID07, was instead recovered off the coast of Tuscany and kept for a few days at the ‘Acquario di Livorno’ for observation prior to tag attachment and release offshore Livorno. CCLs of the seven tracked individuals ranged from 60 to 73 cm, thus they can all be classified as subadults and adults. As of Jan. 2025, turtles were tracked for period between 129 and 244 days, with five of them still transmitting. Six of the seven loggerheads remained within the oceanic area of the Tyrrhenian Sea, located between Sicily, Sardinia and western Italian coasts, for more than 94% of time, where they are still roaming. Only one turtle moved to the wide Tunisian continental shelf immediately after her tagging and release. These results confirm a preference of adult and subadult loggerhead turtles for an oceanic foraging area in the Tyrrhenian Sea, as shown in recent studies. These data may be instrumental for guiding appropriate conservation strategies for loggerheads and will help to shed light on the still limited knowledge of plasticity in life history patterns and behaviour that characterizes this species.

Colola beach is the most important nesting site for black turtles (Chelonia mydas agasizii) in Michoacán, Mexico. Most nesting activity occurs from September to March, although nesting occurs practically all year round. A characteristic of this population is that mate and courtship interactions occur throughout the nesting season, with peak activity occurring from September to January. We conducted 336 hr of observations of black turtle courtship and mate reproductive interactions off Colola beach during the 2004, 2009, 2017 and 2023 seasons. In total, 653 mates groups were observed involving 1,986 males and 669 females. We estimated an overall operational sex ratio (OSR) of 2.96 :1 males per female ( 3.0:1 male/female), with a range of 1-17 males per female in mating groups. By sampling period we obtained different estimates of PSO. In 2004, 150 h of observations were carried out in which a total of 352 maiting groups were identified in which 1,079 males and 368 females were involved, estimating a PSO of 3.0:1 male/female (range = 1-13 males/female). During this period, the monthly OSP estimates showed slight variations: in September, the estimated OSP was 2.8:1; in October-November it was 3.1:1 and in December the estimated OSP was 3.3:1 male/female. In the 2009 breeding season, 86 hours of observations were carried out and 83 mating groups were recorded in which 442 individuals were involved, 359 males and 86 females. In this period the highest estimate of OSP was obtained with 4.3:1 male/female (range= 1-17 males per female). In the copulation groups recorded, it was observed that in 26.5% only one male participated, while in 73% of the mating groups two or more males were observed. In the 2017 season, 40 hrs of mate and courtship observations were conducted. Forty mating groups were identified in which 163 individuals (123 males and 40 females) were identified (range =1 - 9 males per female) and a PSO of 3:1 male/female (range= 1-9 males per female) was estimated. In this period only one male was observed in 17.5% of the mating groups, while two or more participating males were observed in 82.5% of the groups. In 2023, 60 hr of observations of reproductive interactions were conducted in which 178 maiting groups were identified in which 603 breeding adults (425 males and 178 females) were identified, estimating a PSO of 2.3:1 male/female (range = 1 - 12 males per female). This was the lowest PSO estimate of the entire sampling period considered in this work. On the other hand, only one male was observed in 41.5% of the mating groups, while two or more males were observed in 58% of the groups.

Bay of Bengal and the adjacent regions contains diverse reptilian fauna, comprising endangered turtle species. The foraging and spatio-temporal distribution of endangered turtle species, in this Bay of Bengal region, is largely unexplored and satellite tracking technology can be used in this context. Current study utilised satellite tracking on Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) to investigate foraging grounds, post nesting migration and finally categorised GPS coordinates at north-eastern Bay of Bengal – significant for this species conservation. Seven individuals were tagged with the satellite Platform Transmitter Terminal (PTT) and tracked for 15 to 245 days (125 + 79). The turtles migrated 12 – 2138 km (886 + 655) from their release locations. They travelled 4629 + 2894 km cumulative distance with a highest and lowest record of 8622 km and 202 km respectively. We categorised different number of records into 3 different zones, ranging from - highly important Zone-1 (>75 track records), moderately important Zone-2 (>50 & <75 track records) and less important Zone-3 (<50 track records), and finally found 20-21⁰N & 89-91⁰E coordinates for multiple turtle individuals, which is recommended areas of international attention for conservation and management aspects. Current research shows urgency to initiate transboundary research and effective conservation initiative to conserve endangered turtle species around this region.

The juvenile pelagic stage of sea turtles is still poorly understood. It has long been assumed that small sea turtles drift, mostly passively, with ocean currents but evidence is growing that juveniles are more active than initially thought. Improving knowledge on this early dispersal phase is much needed to implement effective conservation strategies. As satellite tracking of small juveniles remains technically challenging and thus rare, numerical modeling of their dispersal is a complementary approach to help reduce the knowledge gap.

For that purpose, the Sea Turtle Active Movement Model (STAMM), originally proposed by Gaspar and Lalire (2017) is now further developed at Mercator Ocean International (MOI). This Individual-Based-Model can be used to simulate the trajectories of juvenile sea turtles dispersing either purely passively under the sole effect of oceanic currents or under the combined effects of currents and habitat-driven movements triggered by the need to find food and suitable water temperatures. The active component of STAMM involves several parameters such as growth rates, suitable temperatures and food requirements as function of age. These can be inferred from literature and/or from model calibration techniques using tracking data.

The latest STAMM model version is freely available and easy to use. In this poster we briefly present this new model version and how it can be used to simply perform a simulation of juvenile sea turtle dispersal for a population in any oceanic area . In addition we show how the model can be exploited on the MOI EDITO Datalab platform (https://datalab.dive.edito.eu/). Specific viewers and analysis tools to visualize and analyze model are also into development before release. Their use will be demonstrated on the spot. Work on STAMM continues to make it a powerful, easily usable, tool to help understand juvenile sea turtles’ dispersal and contribute to their conservation.

Sea turtles are key indicators of healthy marine habitats, using nesting and feeding areas along NEOM’s coastline in the northern Red Sea of Saudi Arabia. NEOM covers 26,500 km² and provides critical nesting sites for two sea turtle species: the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). NEOM aims to combine economic growth with environmental care as a global hub for innovation and sustainability.

During surveys in 2022 and 2023, we monitored female sea turtles using satellite tracking and found they mostly nest on three main islands: Walah, Shushah, and Delajala. Shushah Island is especially important for hawksbill turtles, while Walah Island is a key site for green turtles. Tracking 6 green and 11 hawksbill turtles, we identified 8 main feeding areas, stretching from the Gulf of Suez in Egypt to Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia, and observed their diving patterns based on nearby seagrass and coral reef habitats.

This study offers the first detailed look at habitat use by NEOM’s turtles, showing that nesting green turtles usually dive between 3–20 meters, while hawksbills dive deeper, reaching up to 87 meters. These results highlight the need for a conservation plan, including marine protected areas, and emphasize the importance of further research to protect these essential marine species.

In-water monitoring is essential for elucidating the spatiotemporal distribution and connectivity of sea turtles across life stages, especially for populations in the Red Sea, where five species, including the Endangered green turtle and Critically Endangered hawksbill, are under-researched. Standardized and comprehensive assessments are needed to identify critical habitats, including developmental areas, foraging grounds, mating sites, and migratory corridors. Such data are increasingly vital as climate change and human pressures intensify, compounding the risks to these vulnerable species. SHAMS initiated a comprehensive in-water monitoring program to provide strategic guidance for standardized assessment and monitoring protocols on the KSA Red Sea Coast and establish structured data collection efforts. Between July and October 2024, we conducted 24 snorkeling surveys across five areas: the Far Northern Red Sea (NEOM region), Northern Red Sea (Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve, PMBSRR), Central Red Sea (Ras Baridi), Farasan Banks (Islands offshore Al Qunfudhah), and the Jazan and Farasan Islands. These surveys aimed to identify high-abundance turtle areas, characterize habitats, document behaviors, and record threats. A total of 45 sea turtles were observed over 15 hours and 16 minutes, with an average sighting rate of 2.95 turtles/hour. Among them, 40 were green turtles, including 9 juveniles, 3 subadults, 12 adult females, 14 adult males, and 2 of undetermined sex. Additionally, 5 hawksbill turtles were recorded, consisting of 3 juveniles, 1 subadult, and 1 adult male, all found in coral reef and seagrass beds habitats. Observed behaviors across both species included swimming (73.3%), resting (11.1%), feeding (11.1%), and surface breathing (4.4%). The primary threats identified in these habitats included habitat degradation (65.2%), marine debris (39.1%), and fishing activities (21.7%). Biometric data were collected from four adult females captured, with a mean curved carapace length (CCL) of 102.77 cm (SE = 2.84) and a mean curved carapace width (CCW) of 91.23 cm (SE = 3.30). Key sites for monitoring green turtles in feeding habitats were identified at West Mandhar in the Jazan and Farasan Islands region and Sila Island in the Far Northern Red Sea region due to the high number of adult females, males, subadults and juveniles in extensive seagrass beds. The observed proximity of males and females swimming together may be associated with the nesting season, indicating possible reproductive activity; however, further monitoring and research is needed to clarify these patterns. This assessment and monitoring program will continue through 2025, aiming for at least 160 survey days along the KSA Red Sea coast. Throughout the year, surveys and capture techniques will be employed to develop a seasonal map of sea turtle abundance and connectivity, utilizing satellite transmitters, acoustic tags, and underwater cameras. This approach will enable comprehensive data collection, including biometric measurements, capture and recapture data, photo IDs, tissue and blood samples from individual turtles, advancing our understanding of population structure, dynamics and habitat use. This program provides a solid foundation for ongoing research and conservation efforts, reflecting a strong commitment to accurate data management and reinforcing dedication to sea turtle conservation in the region.

The identification of occurrence areas, habitat use, and major threats in foraging and developmental zones of sea turtles is a crucial tool for informing the implementation of effective conservation measures. Guanabara Bay (GB), located in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, holds significant economic and environmental importance. However, it has been adversely affected by a range of anthropogenic impacts, including the influx of solid waste, untreated domestic sewage, and pollutants, rendering it one of the most polluted estuarine systems along the Brazilian coast. Despite these challenges, GB still supports a rich marine biodiversity, including the sea turtles that inhabit its inner waters. Although the historical occurrence of these turtles is recognized in Rio de Janeiro waters, there are a lack of systematic studies that specifies the occurrence locations, species that enter this estuary, and how they utilize this habitat. Currently, the region is monitored by the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (BMP-SB RJ Area), which focuses on recording marine tetrapod strandings, and by the Aruanã Project wich, since 2022, has been conducting a Citizen Science (CS) program that gathers data on sea turtles occurrence and habitat use through community participation. Observations are submitted via social media, phone, or Aruanã Project’s website. This participatory methodology is widely adopted globally, serving as a vital ally for conservation efforts. CS not only functions as an essential tool for scientific data collection but also enhances public engagement and fosters a sense of responsibility among community members. The present study combines data from the BMP-SB and the CS efforts of the Aruanã Project to generate the first evaluation of the occurrence and habitat use of sea turtle species within the interior of GB. The data from BMP-SB spans the period from September 2019 to June 2024, during which 879 strandings were recorded, including 817 Chelonia mydas (117 alive), 54 Caretta caretta (3 alive), 4 Lepidochelys olivacea, 3 Eretmochelys imbricata, and 1 Dermochelys coriacea. Meanwhile, the Citizen Science data encompassed the period from October 2022 to August 2024, with reports of 177 C. mydas (91 alive) and 15 C. caretta (4 alive). These findings indicate that all five sea turtle species occurring in Brazil utilize waters of GB. There is strong evidence suggesting that both C. mydas and C. caretta utilize GB as a feeding and residency area. CS data indicate a predominance of live C. mydas individuals (54.4%). This species is already recognized for its coastal behavior and residency in foraging areas. The records of C. caretta present a novel occurrence for interior waters of GB, emphasized by differences in distribution patterns between records from CS and the BMP. Fishermen report incidental captures of juvenile C. caretta in their nets, indicating that these turtles should enter GB to feed on the shrimp present in the internal area of the bay. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of community collaborative efforts in monitoring the occurrence, to identify hotspots and threats that sea turtles are facing in Guanabara Bay to better direction conservation strategies.

Chevron Australia conducts monitoring and research at some key Flatback turtle rookeries in Western Australia. These sites include Barrow Island and mainland beaches at Mundabullangana, Onslow and the Ashburton River Delta. In partnership with Australian and International experts, the design of our monitoring and research programs provides an intensive and long-term data set on important aspects of the Flatback sea turtle’s life cycle.

One aspect where we have applied continued development in data collection, analysis and interpretation is the nearshore dispersal and survivorship of sea turtle hatchlings.

Advances in underwater acoustic technology have recently increased the range at which tagged hatchlings can be detected using an acoustic receiver array or curtain. Innovasea’s NexTrak digital Receivers and associated tags (V6, 69 kHz) were trialled in a Pilot Study on Barrow Island Flatback Turtle hatchlings in February 2024. The Study resulted in increased range of detection from less than 100 m in older model receivers and tags (180 kHz) up to 207 m (50% detection probability, 438m 20% detection probability) in the new digital NexTrack Receivers and associated tags, depending on water depth.

The increase in range detection provides a more cost and resource effective avenue for utilising acoustic technology in large study areas (e.g. >20 km²) such as industrial ports, to enable assessment of any potential changes to sea turtle hatchling dispersal and survivorship.

Authors: Abdulkareem Alfaraj, Corinne Brion, Bill Kaval, Nicolas Loudner, Mark Mysonhimer, Chris Yakopcic

Turtle Up Abstract

Olive Ridley sea turtles, an endangered species, play a vital role in maintaining marine
ecosystems, making their conservation crucial. Tracking their movements and understanding
their environmental conditions is essential for effective protection and research efforts. Turtle
Up’s custom-designed tracking device addresses this need by combining GPS, temperature, and pressure sensors in a compact, durable system optimized for these turtles&#39; unique habitats. This combination of devices aids conservationists by providing detailed data that enhances understanding of the turtles&#39; migratory patterns and responses to environmental changes, enabling more targeted and informed conservation actions.

Temperature, pressure, and GPS sensors each serve unique roles and use specialized
mechanisms to monitor environmental conditions. GPS sensors, or Global Positioning System devices, calculate precise geographical coordinates by measuring the time delay of signals received from satellites, achieving accuracy within centimeters in newer models. Temperature sensors detect thermal energy within an environment by using thermistors, thermocouples, or infrared sensors to measure temperature fluctuations with high precision, which is essential for scientific research and industrial applications. Pressure sensors, meanwhile, measure the force exerted by fluids or gasses on surfaces, utilizing piezoelectric, capacitive, or resistive transducers to convert this force into electrical signals, enabling us to determine the depth that the turtle currently is at. Each type of sensor employs specific technologies and principles that suit
particular applications, with advancements continually enhancing their precision, durability, and adaptability.

Among these, Turtle Up’s tracker combines GPS, temperature, and pressure sensing
capabilities into a single integrated system, optimized for monitoring Olive Ridley turtles in
marine conditions. Unlike standard sensors, this device features a durable, low-profile design and advanced signal processing algorithms that mitigate underwater signal interference, ensuring accurate tracking even in challenging oceanic environments. Its sensors are finely tuned for rapid adaptation to the marine ecosystem, allowing for data collection that supports marine conservation efforts. The tracker’s enhanced reliability, adaptability to saline conditions, and efficient data transmission make it an invaluable tool for marine biologists and conservationists, expanding data collection capabilities and paving the way for more effective conservation strategies.

The sea turtle populations of Reunion Island, a small volcanic island in the western Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, were significantly impacted by human colonization in the 17th century. However, after 40 years of local and regional conservation efforts, these populations show signs of recovery. This study examines spatiotemporal trends in the abundance and distribution of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) along the west coast of Reunion Island from 2008 to 2023. Data were collected through lightweight aerial surveys and photo-identification (photo-ID) methods. Results indicate a consistent increase in turtle abundance, primarily juveniles, with green turtles comprising 78% of observations based on photo-ID. Size-class estimates from aerial surveys suggest that annual fluctuations in abundance are driven largely by variations in the number of smaller turtles, underscoring Reunion Island’s role as a critical developmental habitat. The highest concentrations of turtles were observed in fringing reef areas characterized by shallow, gently sloping bathymetric zones. Photo-ID also revealed strong site fidelity for both species. Combining aerial surveys and photo-ID, this study provides life-stage-specific abundance trends over 9% (5.5 km²) of the surveyed area (60 km²) and highlights distribution patterns linked to food availability. Notably, the decline in green turtle numbers correlates with the disappearance of Reunion Island’s most significant seagrass bed. These findings advance understanding of the spatial ecology of in-water turtles and offer valuable insights for local and regional conservation planning. They further emphasize the role of sea turtles as indicators of coastal ecosystem health.

The Río de la Plata Estuary and its Maritime Front (RdLPEMF) in the Southwester Atlantic Ocean has been highlighted as a crucial feeding ground for leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). This region receives large juveniles and adult individuals mostly from Western Africa nesting colonies, between November and May. Despite this, in-water population estimates for leatherback turtles are outdated, due to traditional population research techniques (i.e. vessel/aircraft surveys) being budget, time, and logistically constrained, hindering effective conservation efforts. Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) have been applied successfully for in-water sea turtle studies, however, they depend on the visibility of the target at or below the surface. Essential parameters such as the surface detection probability or availability bias, g(0), have not been previously published. This parameter is essential for relative density estimates and is region-specific in terms of turtle aggregation behavior and environmental conditions. Consequently, we integrated UAS observations and satellite tag diving data to obtain the first leatherback turtle detection probability estimation in RLPEMF, and the proportion of time spent at the surface which will allow better leatherback density estimates in the region. We conducted UAS over-water surveys in Samborombon Bay, Argentina in March 2020. Flights recorded 4k video and followed turtles until they dove. Additionally, we analyzed satellite tag dive behavior data from 6 turtles that remained within the study area or returned to it. Finally, we used Barlow et al (1988)’s equation to calculate g(0), which accounts for the time spent submerged (d) and at the surface (s), and the average time spent at the surface per emergence event (t).

We recorded 2.13 hours of video over the water surveys during 4 field days, with 45 successful leatherback observations. From these observations, we obtained t=18.67 seconds (Min= 1.4 sec, Max= 58.88; SD± 18.85). In contrast, the satellite data analysis resulted on t= 211.80 seconds (Min= 4 sec, Max= 720 sec; SD± 112.58), and s=27.80% (Min = 4.8%; Max = 93.7%; SD± 20.10). Based on the satellite data, we estimated that g(0) for leatherback turtle in the region to be g(0)=0.3183. Additional analysis to compare drone and satellite values for parameter t is still pending to evaluate the efficacy of using drone observations for relative density estimate.

By estimating surface visibility probability using satellite tag data and direct observations, we addressed a key gap in leatherback turtle population-specific parameters in the study area. These results allow us to significantly advance in the characterization of the diving behavior of the species in this region. This is also a key step to improve relative density estimates of leatherback turtles in the area, which are critical for future population studies that will provide valuable insights for conservation efforts. Lastly, we showed the potential of drone applications in reduced water visibility conditions, that can provide comprehensive, highly valuable, and needed information on the leatherback turtle in the region.

In November 2015, a major environmental disaster occurred in Brazil when the Mariana Dam broke. The failure of the dam released 43.7 million cubic meters of mine tailings into the Doce River, causing a toxic brown mudflow to pollute the river and beaches near its mouth. The mouth of the Doce River region is an important loggerhead nesting aggregation in Brazil and one of the loggerhead index nesting sites for population, underscoring the need to assess the impacts of these elements on sea turtles. To monitor and check possible changes in loggerhead behavior, Fundação Projeto Tamar was hired to evaluate in-water habitats used by nesting females. Here, we present the results of satellite tracking post-nesting loggerhead sea turtles during the internesting period, migration, and foraging habitats and quantify the overlap with marine areas directly affected by the toxic plume. A total of 20 females were monitored between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 nesting seasons. We used Fastloc Depth Sensing Tags from Wildlife Computers to evaluate core use areas and dive behavior. GPS and ARGOS locations were filtered to remove unrealistic fixes, such as those on land, low accuracy, or faster than 3 m/s. A continuous-time state-space model within the ‘aniMotum’ R package was used to regularize tracks in 24-hour intervals. Latent behaviors were estimated based on the behavioral index from a movement persistence model (‘mpm’) in combination with the straight distance from the nesting beach. The number of dives within 24 hours served as an activity level index for comparing identified behaviors, and GIS layers of high- and low-concentration plume areas were used to analyze spatial overlap. Animals were monitored on average for 398 days (range 141 – 747), with 11.1% of points classified as internesting, 20.4% migration, and 68.6% as foraging. Animals were mostly exposed to the plume area during the internesting period (95.7% of locations), and most foraging areas were located outside the plume area. Notably, activity levels were the highest within the high-concentration area (average 61.3 dives/day) and during the internesting period (average 54.5 dives/day) surpassing those observed during migration (average 50 dives/day) and foraging (average 36.3 dives/day). In addition, diving data indicated that during the internesting period individuals spend most of their time near the substrate, increasing the likelihood of interacting with toxic elements. However, the lack of baseline activity data limits the direct attribution of patterns to contamination exposure, posing challenges for evaluating physiological impacts. Their reproductive parameters appear stable to date, suggesting resilience while reinforcing the need for long-term monitoring. By integrating satellite tracking data with detailed movement analysis, this study reveals the overlap of loggerhead sea turtle internesting habitat to the contaminated area from the Mariana Dam disaster. The findings emphasize the importance of collecting baseline data and detailed in-water habitat use information to inform effective conservation strategies for this vulnerable population and its critical nesting habitat.

Rising seawater temperatures pose potential threats for marine turtles, yet studying these impacts is very difficult due to the complexities of marine environments and to turtle elusive behaviour. Recent advances in animal-borne telemetry, have greatly enhanced our ability to collect detailed spatial and behavioural data from freely-moving turtles even over long time periods. In this study, we monitored the spatial and diving behaviours of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) dwelling in the central Mediterranean Sea while experiencing a variety of thermal conditions. Seven adult female loggerhead turtles caught along the coastlines of Lazio and Tuscany, Italy, were tracked by satellite over a period of more than six months including the hottest period of the year. Each turtle was equipped with a satellite-linked data logger (SDL) that collected data from onboard depth and temperature sensors and relayed them via the Argos system. The SDLs provided continuous information on the turtles’ depth and temperature profiles, maximum dive depth and duration, and percentage of time spent in predetermined temperature and depth ranges. In this way, we have been able to reconstruct the spatial distribution and diving behaviour of the tracked turtles, and to characterize their thermal habitat.The results showed that turtles adjusted their diving behaviour to cope with changing thermal conditions, as water temperatures ranged from 15°C to above 32°C. Specifically, during the hottest period tracked turtles spent longer time at depths below 50 m than during the winter period, exploiting cooler waters with temperatures lower than 18°C. Our findings provide useful insights into how loggerhead turtles respond to increasing sea temperatures, which is critical for understanding their resilience and vulnerability to climate change.

The presence of the Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) in the Mediterranean has been reported in the past, and Its presence has been described as sporadic. However, some recent records may indicate that it is more common than previously thought. In this study we review all records of L. kempii in the Mediterranean to date, including 3 previously unpublished records. All specimens are of typical juvenile size. Their presence in Mediterranean waters can be explained in the same way as the presence of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) of Atlantic origin, which reach our waters following the eastward Atlantic currents and enter the western Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar. The increase in records in recent years may indicate an increase in their population in their nesting areas and the success of relocation programmes from Mexico to the southern United States, although the population trend on their main nesting beaches appears to have stabilised in the last two decades. We discuss other explanations for the increase in Mediterranean records, such as increased effort due to the improvement of stranding networks or geographic range expansion due to climate change. Finally, almost all of the records included here are associated with fisheries interactions or entanglement in ghost fishing gear and marine debris; therefore, the species suffers from the same anthropogenic threats as other sea turtle species in the western Mediterranean and it should be included in Mediterranean countries and European Union conservation management plans.

Injuries involving limbs are quite common in sea turtles. In addition to natural injury, common causes include entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, or improper handling during capture or physical restraint. However, there are few data in the literature on the treatment of long bone fractures and subsequent repair processes in sea turtle flippers. This report presents a documented case of humeral flipper fracture repair in a sea turtle treated with physiotherapy, without the need for surgical stabilization.

A juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was found stranded in a critical condition on the coast of Cádiz, Andalusia (Spain), exhibiting respiratory and swimming difficulties. It was immediately brought to the Andalusian Marine Species Recovery Centre, CEGMA, where a complete examination revealed a fractured left humerus, pneumonia, severe dehydration, weakness and cachexia. Given its critical the aim was to stabilize the animal's health and preserve limb function, avoiding surgical intervention and amputation. There is a lack of documented similar cases and consequently, a conservative approach was chosen, immobilizing the limb externally with a bandage. X-rays were conducted twice a week, and the bandage was changed weekly, as the animal was still growing.

Clinically, the turtle showed daily improvement, particularly three weeks later, when it began to eat. A month later, a weekly physiotherapy treatment was initiated to prevent elbow ankylosis due to the bandage, with X-ray monitoring to ensure proper alignment of the bone fragments. This physiotherapy included passive kinesitherapy, involving joint mobilization and muscle stretching without active involvement from the patient; and thermotherapy to relieve pain, improve circulation and promot healing in injured tissues. After about eighteen months of treatment, the humeral fracture resolved, and the turtle was transferred to a muscle-building tank. Finally, following a nineteen month rehabilitation, the turtle regained full limb function and was successfully released back into the ocean.

This conservative approach to the management of humeral fractures in sea turtles allows for the complete preservation of the flipper's integrity, promoting faster recovery compared to invasive surgery, while eliminating the need for extended postoperative care. Moreover, this method reduces the risks associated with surgical interventions, optimizing the recovery process and improving overall outcomes for the animal. Although based on a single case, this report provides valuable insights into non-invasive treatment methods and contributes to the broader field of sea turtle rehabilitation.

Keywords: humerus fracture, limb surgery, limb amputation, bandage, physiotherapy.

Many microbial pathogens have been reported to cause reduction in the effectiveness of sea turtles in producing hatchlings and thereby increased the number of deaths. The host defense peptides, also referred to as the antimicrobial peptides (AMP), are used to combat these pathogens and prevent infectious diseases. They act by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and thereby controlling the host immunological reactions. Numerous antimicrobial peptides are widely dispersed in various vertebrate animals including, amphibians, birds, fishes, reptiles and mammals; invertebrates such as, insects, mollusks, marine worms, sea urchins, as well as many microbes, such as fungi, virus and bacteria, with powerful effect against the growth of gram-negative and gram- positive bacteria. Animal sourced AMPs account for the highest total, with reptiles representing a comparatively small proportion. Results from a recent study have shown that the cloacal fluid of loggerhead turtle has antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Morganella morganii, however, there is little knowledge about the identification of the AMPs present in loggerhead turtle. This study aims to isolate and identify the antimicrobial agents present in the cloacal fluid of loggerhead turtles by testing their effect on Gram-negative bacterial strains and to further investigate their potential recombinant production. Results from this study have identified several fractions from the size-exclusion chromatography of cloacal fluid from loggerhead turtle that have antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Mass spectrometry analysis was used to analyze these fractions to identify the active antimicrobial components. This study contributes to the discovery of novel compounds that can be further developed and optimized for use in combating bacterial pathogens.

From a holistic perspective, all efforts and methodologies that can be implemented to safeguard sea turtles and their nesting are an added value for conservation. This study describes a postmortem procedure carried out by Kitabanga Project after an olive ridley drowned in a fishing net was acquired in Base do Longa (S10°16´24´´ and E13°31´19´´) in Angola. It represents an attempt to minimize a negative impact and transform a death into life.

When a necropsy was carried out on the olive ridley, 222 fully formed eggs, that would have been deposited during its next nesting attempt, were carefully removed one by one and taken to be artificially incubated in a plastic box (50 cm depth x 30 cm width x 40 cm height) filled with sand at the Longa ex-situ incubation center (Kitabanga Project site).

Incubation duration was 69 days, a relatively long period for this species in-situ on Angolan beaches, but closer to incubation duration in some regions. Hatching success was 56.7%, with 122 live hatchlings and 4 dead hatchlings in the nest. Among the remaining eggs, 85 had clear evidence of embryonic development and 11 eggs did not. The hatching success obtained is lower than other similarly artificially incubated nests, which have a hatching success around 75 to 100%. Nevertheless, the effort contributed hatchlings to the populations that normally would have perished with the dead turtles.

Postmortem egg collection and incubation could become a viable strategy to increase hatchlings and help conserve endangered species. It is assumed that the stage of development of the eggs and the state in which the animal is found at the time of death, influence the viability of the eggs and their success. Additionally, a quick response and appropriate handling techniques are required for success. However, the practice must be regulated by strict ethical and legal guidelines to ensure that only females killed by natural causes or accidentally are used. Human intervention must be minimally invasive and with clear conservation purposes.

This case report documents severe lordosis in a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), named Hope, rescued by the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMC) in Naifaru, Maldives, following illegal captivity as part of the pet trade. Green sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to poaching in the Maldives due to high nesting rates, leading to frequent illegal collection of hatchlings for pet ownership. AMC has received hundreds of young turtles from the pet trade, many displaying physical abnormalities likely resulting from inadequate care during captivity, including inappropriate confinement, handling, and feeding.

Hope, a juvenile with an extreme spinal curvature, exemplifies the impact of mistreatment. Her vertebral scutes 1 and 5 are close together, forming an acute angle. This severe lordosis has significantly deformed her shell, creating a “U”-shaped plastron in profile. Although she is able to dive and often rests at the bottom of her tank, she spends most of her time at the surface and sometimes struggles to swim. Due to these impairments, she is not currently a candidate for release.

Despite her non-releasable condition, Hope exhibits good health indicators, including consistent weight gain, a strong appetite, and blood values within normal ranges for wild green turtles. However, her shell deformity limits understanding of her internal organ arrangement, apart from her lungs, which are visible through conventional radiography. AMC is located on a remote island, where access to advanced imaging technologies or contrast methods is limited.

While euthanasia is a common outcome for wild animals deemed non-releasable, it is essential to consider the social context and societal beliefs. Euthanasia is not widely practiced in the Maldives, and there are no clear guidelines, particularly concerning protected species. Additionally, access to euthanasia drugs is limited. Hope’s care regimen at AMC includes weekly calcium and multivitamin supplements, a diet of freshly collected seagrass, seafood, and weekly live prey for environmental enrichment, all aimed at enhancing her quality of life in captivity.

This case highlights the long-term physiological consequences of the illegal pet trade on green sea turtles. Severe lordosis restricts the coelomic cavity, potentially impairing future organ development and ultimately affecting systemic health. However, AMC’s targeted husbandry practices reflect best efforts to mitigate captivity’s limitations and sustain Hope’s well-being. This report underscores the urgent need for stricter wildlife protection measures and education efforts to prevent the continued exploitation of sea turtles in the Maldives.

Olive ridley sea turtles in the Indian Ocean face a pressing threat from ghost nets, abandoned or discarded fishing gear that remains in the ocean, trapping marine life indiscriminately. Ghost nets are a leading cause of injury for olive ridleys, which are often entangled while migrating or foraging. At the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, Baa Atoll, Republic of the Maldives, ghost net entanglements account for the majority of patient admissions, frequently resulting in severe injuries to the flippers and neck. Limb injuries, in particular, can lead to partial or complete loss of function, compromising the animal's ability to swim, forage, mate, and avoid predators. In order to avoid amputation, our veterinary team has developed a comprehensive Limb Salvaging Protocol (LSP) aimed at minimising the need for amputating injured limbs, preserving the functionality of affected limbs, and enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.

The LSP is a multimodal, holistic approach to saving and restoring function to damaged limbs through rapid assessment and diagnosis, complete physical examinations, bloodwork and imaging studies, and diagnostic testing to determine injury severity and overall health status. Following assessment, supportive care is provided to stabilise the patient, combining pain management, wound care, nutritional support, and other medical therapy essential for addressing immediate clinical needs. In cases of severe injuries, surgical intervention can be indicated, followed by physical rehabilitation designed to promote recovery and improve limb function, including specialised methods such as Targeted External Weight Therapy and Kinetic Buoy Training.

A critical feature of the LSP is the use of integrative and regenerative medical therapies to optimise healing and restoration of function. These advanced clinical therapies include photobiomodulation therapy, which utilises specialised lasers to promote tissue healing and is thought to alleviate pain based on evidence from other species, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy, which accelerates wound healing by leveraging the restorative properties of the patient's own blood components, and acupuncture to improve mobility. Intensive monitoring allows for ongoing assessment and therapeutic adjustments, ensuring that each patient’s progress is closely tracked and adjusted where indicated.

To date, eleven olive ridley patients have undergone treatment with the LSP, resulting in positive outcomes in limb mobility and an average hospital stay of 165 days. These cases underscore the effectiveness of the LSP in preserving flipper function in turtles that could otherwise face amputation.

This multimodal, holistic protocol represents a significant advancement in sea turtle medical care within the Indian Ocean, where entanglement injuries are a primary admitting condition.

All seven sea turtle species are considered species of conservation concern, with three species being classified as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered and the last species not having enough information on its population to classify. In order to truly protect sea turtle species and their habitats conservations efforts all around the world need to be implemented. Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centres operate worldwide and play a critical role in conservation, as they allow for for the treatments, nutrition, enrichment, recovery, and eventual release of sea turtles back into the wild, thus helping maintain, or perhaps even increase, sea turtle populations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether environmental enrichment could be used as a valuable tool in sea turtle rehabilitation and recovery, specifically is post-hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). The study demonstrated that Sargassum spp. enrichment can positively influence species-specific behaviours, promoting rest and hiding while reducing swimming and diving in rehabilitating post-hatchling loggerheads. These behavioural modifications mirror natural tendencies, which may aid energy conservation and lower stress levels, supporting recovery. Blood glucose and hematocrit changes observed over time likely reflected both enrichment impacts and general health improvements associated with longer rehabilitation durations, indicating that physiological responses may not solely depend on enrichment factors. Overall, the findings underscore the value of environmental enrichment in rehabilitative care, with Sargassum playing a potentially significant role in post-hatchling well-being and recovery.

To the best of our knowledge, esophageal diverticulitis has not been previously documented in marine reptiles, including loggerhead sea turtles. Recently, a female loggerhead (Caretta caretta) was rescued off the coast of Lampedusa in the southern Mediterranean Sea, Italy, by local fishermen who observed her weakened condition and a large cervical mass. The turtle had been initially tagged by Archelon in Greece in 2008, where she was regularly observed nesting until 2016, but she had not been sighted in the past eight years.

Upon admission to our rescue center, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging revealed a substantial esophageal mass. Surgical intervention was deemed necessary, and ventral cervical access revealed the mass to be an esophageal diverticulum firmly connected to the esophageal walls. In our understanding, this represents the first documented case of this condition in a sea turtle.

The primary objective of the surgery was to alleviate the symptoms of the esophageal pathology, which impeded normal feeding, and to restore esophageal function. Surgical exploration revealed a large diverticulum containing a 2.6 kg accumulation of sand and debris. The diverticular pocket and its contents were carefully removed, and the esophageal wall was stabilized to restore its structural integrity and function.

Following surgery, the turtle underwent a month-long rehabilitation program, during which her recovery was closely monitored. Key assessments included her feeding ability, swimming performance, and overall health. Over the course of rehabilitation, the turtle demonstrated significant improvement: she gained weight, exhibited a strong interest in feeding, and showed enhanced swimming ability and energy levels. After the application of new flipper tags, the turtle was successfully released back into the Mediterranean Sea.

This case underscores the remarkable resilience of sea turtles in adapting to complex anatomical abnormalities and highlights the potentially life-threatening consequences of esophageal diverticulitis, particularly when diverticula become impacted with foreign materials such as sand and debris. In our view, the successful surgical management of this condition underscores once more the critical importance of targeted veterinary skills in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine wildlife.

Moreover, this case emphasizes the need for increased post-release monitoring to assess the long-term outcomes of rehabilitated turtles and to inform conservation strategies. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness among fishing communities regarding esophageal injuries caused by foreign body ingestion, promoting preventive measures and improved outcomes for marine species.

The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) at the Two Oceans Aquarium annually treat and rehabilitate between 60 and 150 Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) post-hatchlings that strand along the coast of South Africa. During April 2024 unseasonably severe swell and onshore winds around the coast of South Africa resulted in the mass stranding of Loggerhead post-hatchlings. More than 240 post-hatchlings were received at the Turtle Conservation Centre at Two Oceans Aquarium over a period of just four days. A total of over 600 Loggerhead post-hatchlings were received during the stranding season of 2024 which stretched from April to end of May. The unprecedented influx of post-hatchlings far exceeded the normal capacity of our rehabilitation facility and staff. Emergency measures dictated changes in operational procedures, housing set-up, triage and treatment protocols. Turtles were triaged upon admission according to mental alertness, physical strength/weakness, respiratory capabilities, the presence of wounds, blood values (haematocrit and blood glucose), and body condition scores. Collaboration between the three primary sea turtle rehabilitation facilities in South Africa (TCC, South African Association of Marine Biological Research and Bayworld Oceanarium) were crucial in the successful management of the stranding disaster and required ongoing close partnerships for the duration of 2024. A joint effort facilitated the release of 480 post-hatchlings in 2024, aliging with the facility's median annual release rate of 78 %. Twelve were satellite-tagged pre-release to track movements and assess post release survival. This poster provides and overview of the unprecedented mass stranding episode, emergency measures required and instigated, and collaborative efforts between the primary sea turtle rehabilitation facilities in South Africa.

INTRODUCTION. Buoyancy control is essential for sea turtles to successfully forage, ventilate, mate, avoid threats and migrate. Buoyancy Syndrome occurs when a sea turtle is unable to maintain its control of movement in the water and can be caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal disease, systemic infection, trauma, pneumocoelom, dysbiosis, malnutrition, neurological disorders, and cold-stunning, among others. BS is among the most frequent causes worldwide of sea turtle hospital admissions and pulmonary trauma resulting from fishery and bycatch interaction is among the most frequent contributors to this form of Buoyancy Syndrome. We report a novel surgical technique to treat Buoyancy Syndrome resulting from pneumocoelem secondary to pulmonary trauma in green and hawksbill sea turtles in the Saudi Red Sea. METHODS. Nine sea turtles (7 hawksbills; 6 juveniles, 1 adult) and two juvenile greens presented to the SHAMS/KAUST Center for Veterinary Care Hospital between 3 June and 3 November 2024 with pneumocoelem secondary to pulmonary tears as diagnosed by clinical examinations, imaging studies and complete blood biochemistries and hematology. Seven patients had direct evidence of fishery interaction indicated by trauma and abrasions to the integument. After initial stabilization, all animals underwent ultrasound-guided coelomocentesis to reduce the degree of pneuomocoelem and patient discomfort. For autologous blood pleurodesis, all animals were sedated with dexmedetomidine (25-30mcg/kg IM) and 3-3.5ml/kg of whole blood was aseptically removed from the external jugular vein and immediately introduced into the coelomic cavity at the level of the pulmonary defects during celioscopy. Postoperative antimicrobial and supportive therapies were applied where indicated and total parenteral nutrition was administered in 4 cases (2 hawksbills, 2 greens). Two patients received postoperative targeted external weight therapy (TEWT – the application of selected weights in precise locations on the patient’s carapace as therapy for Buoyancy Syndrome). All patients recovered without complications and were returned to their hospital tanks in shallow water for postoperative observation. RESULTS: Seven of nine patients returned to normal buoyancy within 7 days of pleurodesis. Two required TEWT postoperatively, and both returned to normal buoyancy within 14 days of pleurodesis. One patient died related to severe blunt force trauma to the head, but this was unrelated to the pleurodesis procedure. Eight patients were released within 63 +/- 7 days of admission. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical strategies to treat trauma related to Buoyancy Syndrome resulting from entrainment in fishing debris or bycatch are important in returning injured sea turtles to health. Blood pleurodesis is a novel therapy to apply in cases of pulmonary pneumocoelem with potential excellent outcomes and reduced length of hospital stay.

The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town serves as one of the primary sea turtle rehabilitation facilities in South Africa. Annually the TCC receives on average between 60 to 150 Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) post-hatchlings during what is known as the “stranding season” that stretches from late March until the end of May. During early April 2024 mass strandings of post-hatchling loggerheads occurred due to unseasonably strong weather conditions, and over 600 hatchlings were received at the TCC over a very short period of time.

Post-hatchlings will usually present to the TCC as weak and injured or systemically ill, often with a low haematocrit and hypoglycaemia.

The 2024 post-hatchlings mostly presented with normo- or hyperglycaemia. Those who presented with a haematocrit higher than 20% (range 5% - 28.5%) was double that of the preceding years. Many of the initial arrivals also exhibited little sign of disease or predation, and the conclusion was that these turtles were likely washed out accidently due to the stormy ocean weather conditions.

Due to the high volume of turtles received, intensive critical care for the weak and sick hatchlings proved challenging. Creative means of providing adequate intensive care measures for such a large number of patients. Large oxygen boxes able to house multiple turtles at once were created using large plastic containers, heating pads, humidifiers and oxygen generators. Nutritional support was provided via daily tube feeding of a high energy recovery diet, fish oil and added vitamins. Valuable new protocols were established to deal with mass admission of turtles, and streamlining critical care.

Turtles were triaged upon admission according to mental alertness, physical strength/weakness, respiratory capabilities, the presence of wounds, blood values (haematocrit and blood glucose), and body condition scores. Turtles were then colour-coded (red, yellow, or blue) and individually marked and housed accordingly.

This presentation provides an overview of the findings regarding initial health parameter of hatchlings, the critical care provided and ultimate outcome of treatment in the post-hatchlings received during the mass stranding of 2024.

In July 2021, a 50 kg adult female Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Sea Turtle stranded on the southern coast of South Africa entangled in a ghost net. Weak and injured, she was transported to the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation (TOAF) (Cape Town) for stabilisation. The turtle remained inappetant and she was started on supportive treatment and antibiotic therapy for an elevated white cell count. A couple of months after adimssion a noticeable swelling developed in her right elbow joint. Radiographs identified a potential septic arthritis. A joint aspirate was sent off for bacterial and fungal culture, and the results indicated an Enterococcus sp infection.

Targeted antibiotic therapy was started based on culture results. A mild improvement was observed, however infection did not resolve completely. A second joint aspirate and PCR performed 3 months later identified Acromobacter denitrificans with a slightly altered resistance pattern.

A CT scan was subsequently performed. It revealed a sequestrum and clumps of infected tissue in the joint space, serving as a nidus of infection and halting resolution of the infection. An arthrotomy was performed, the joint lavaged and all visible infected material physically removed. This procedure finally resulted in the infection succesfully being resolved.

At this point the turtle had been on multiple systemic antibiotic treatment for an extended period of time. She started to develop severe bone marrow suppression, reduced kidney function and secondary fungal skin infection with severe plastron sloughing. This required many months of supportive care, antifungal topical and targeted systemic treatment and immune support before the turtle finally started improving clinically.

Four months after the initial right elbow surgery, septic arthritis was also diagnosed in the left elbow through radiographs and joint aspirate and culture. Targeted antibiotic therapy again did not resolve the infection in isolation, and she underwent a second arthrotomy, this time of the left elbow, to lavage and remove necrotic material.

Finally, 19 months after admission, all infection was finally deemed resolved, with no evidence of active infection on repeat CT scans. The turtle underwent another 8 months of rehabilitation and monitoring before she was finally successfully released back into her ocean home off the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.

The Atlantic coast of Africa is vital for sea turtles, with five of the seven known species nesting in the region. However, populations face serious threats, such as intentional capture for human consumption, incidental capture in fisheries and oil exploration in the Gulf of Guinea. In Equatorial Guinea, the island of Bioko is an important nesting colony, but turtle populations have declined dramatically due to overexploitation. Despite laws protecting turtles since 1988, the capture of eggs and adult turtles remains a common practice. Turtles also face indirect threats such as marine pollution, nest predation and coastal erosion. Although conservation projects exist, lack of resources and political instability hinder their effectiveness. This research seeks to analyze the demand for sea turtle consumption and the impact of the increase in per capita income on this demand, highlighting that this is not a traditional consumption.

The research focused on the consumption of sea turtles in the city of Bata, especially in coastal neighborhoods and local markets. The methodology included observations in key areas such as Ekuku, Ukomba and Mondoasi, and interviews with fishermen, vendors and consumers. 290 surveys were conducted between November 2016 and December 2023, focusing on the type of consumers, the origin of the catches, the price of "pepesup" (traditional turtle dish) and the days of greatest demand. Participants were classified into categories such as specialized fishermen, transporters, sellers and final consumers. In addition, data on trade and consumption were collected ; cultural, economic and social factors were considered, and complemented by photographs and visual observations of turtles in markets.

Results from our surveys in bars and restaurants confirmed that sea turtles are an important resource for local communities, used both in gastronomy and in the informal economy. Turtle meat and viscera, especially of Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata, are the most traded products, while consumption increases on weekends. Demand is high, especially among the inhabitants of the Fang ethnic group, who have adopted the consumption of turtles despite their tradition of not including them in their diet.

The study also revealed that turtle capture is common, and is carried out mainly in areas close to the city such as Asonga, Utonde or from the island of Corisco. Captured turtles are transported to the city, often facing obstacles such as military patrols and road barriers, which drives up prices. Although laws exist to protect sea turtles, their enforcement is weak, and illegal hunting persists due to a lack of awareness about the importance of conservation of these species.

Several difficulties were identified, such as the refusal of the population to provide information on turtle consumption, corruption and poor controls in the capture areas. In addition, the fashion of consuming pepesup as a status symbol and the economic crisis make it difficult to implement sustainable conservation initiatives.

Finally, we propose regulatory, educational and tourism measures, such as strengthening the law with its implementing regulations and promoting ecotourism, to improve the protection of turtles and their habitat.

Effective conservation goes beyond protecting biodiversity — it demands the active participation and empowerment of local communities. In São Tomé and Príncipe, Programa Tatô has pioneered a community-centered approach to sea turtle conservation, integrating social development and economic empowerment into its conservation strategies. This holistic model ensures that the needs of both nature and people are met, fostering long-term sustainability.

A key element of this approach is the inclusion of local communities in conservation activities. Programa Tatô hires and trains local agents to participate in ecological monitoring and environmental education, transforming them into stewards of marine conservation. Additionally, tailored programs empower former sea turtle traders and women fishmongers to shift towards sustainable livelihoods. One such initiative, the Artisanal Fish Preserves Pilot Project, supports women in developing value-added fish products, such as sterilized glass jar preserves. The project addresses food security, reduces fish waste, and generates income for local women, while promoting gender equality and sustainable economic development.

Ecotourism also plays a vital role in linking conservation with community benefits. At Praia Jalé, São Tomé’s most important sea turtle nesting beach, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) unites stakeholders—including local communities, government entities, tourism operators — to balance ecotourism growth with species protection. Visitor fees support conservation activities and fund social projects, such as school transportation for children, water infrastructure repairs, and community facility improvements. This initiative highlights how conservation efforts, combined with sustainable tourism, can drive economic growth for local communities while safeguarding fragile ecosystems for future generations.

To ensure the long-term impact of these efforts, Programa Tatô invests in the professional development of its staff. Local guides, conservation agents, and project leaders receive training and capacity-building opportunities, empowering them to become future leaders in conservation. This commitment extends to the National Internship Program, which provides young Santomeans with paid opportunities to gain practical experience in conservation-related fields, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders. Interns actively participate in activities such as sea turtle monitoring, education and awareness, and community outreach, with some internships developed in collaboration with partner organizations.

Through its integrative approach, Programa Tatô has demonstrated that conservation and community development are not only compatible but also mutually reinforcing. By creating new sources of income, supporting social projects, and empowering local communities, Programa Tatô is building a sustainable framework for protecting sea turtles while improving the quality of life for the people of São Tomé and Príncipe.

MARES Comunidad is a binational conservation initiative aimed at promoting fishing community well-being while reducing bycatch of endangered species, like marine turtles, along the Mexican Pacific coast. Led by a diverse and dynamic team, composed, among others, of artisanal fishers and community leaders, MARES Comunidad addressed challenges faced by artisanal fishers by promoting several complementary activities, including the fostering of alternative economic activities to reduce dependence on fishing, which is another way to reduce incidental capture of turtles in fishing gear. These community-led activities have included ecotourism, aquaculture, artisanal crafts, and mangrove restoration. Here, we summarize the results and achievements obtained since 2021. The planning phase was crucial for achieving important results; during this phase, separate meetings were held with each group to identify their goals and create a roadmap to achieve them, including identifying gaps and needs. The subsequent phase was focused mainly on addressing those gaps and needs through targeted capacity building events, specific for each group. Based on community input the project delivered training in business management, fiscal practices, sustainable fishing practices, and diversified handicraft techniques. The final phase included implementing and evaluating each activity. Key results included a measurable reduction in fishing pressure through expanded job opportunities, and increased local capacity to manage sustainable enterprises. This model highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships, continuous engagement with the groups, and community interest to build long-lasting environmental and economic resilience. This community-centered approach can be replicated in other coastal regions facing similar challenges, to impulse conservation and sustainable development.

Conventional sea turtle conservation strategies like beach patrols, hatchery management, and data collection are core activities of Fundação Tartaruga to protect endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) on Boa Vista, Cabo Verde. However, persistent threats—poaching, unregulated tourism, marine plastic pollution, and habitat degradation—highlight the need for complementary approaches. To address these challenges, since 2012, we have implemented non-conventional strategies that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international biodiversity targets, enhancing the long-term protection of this critical loggerhead population. Annual poaching levels on the island of Boa Vista have been successfully reduced from 1,253 (2007) to just 20 (2024). We believe that this has only been possible through the holistic approach used.

Our expanded efforts focus on education, community development, innovative technology, and partnerships, addressing root causes of threats while building local capacity for conservation. Education programs, aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), engage children and young adults to instil a conservation ethic. Activities like conservation-themed swimming lessons and our ambassador dog, Kelo, foster environmental awareness and address local behaviours contributing to turtle population decline. By cultivating a culture of marine conservation, we align with Target 14.1 (reducing marine pollution) and promote sustainable practices.

Community development plays a pivotal role in reducing financial dependence on harmful activities like turtle poaching. By supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Target 14.b (small-scale sustainable fisheries), we provide sustainable employment alternatives and invest in community programs, sports, and education. This approach empowers local populations to take an active role in conservation, creating long-term stewards of the loggerhead population while delivering positive social impacts.

Innovative technologies further strengthen our conservation efforts. Drones and night-vision binoculars enhance monitoring of nesting sites and poaching hotspots, supporting Target 15.5 (reducing biodiversity loss). Drone surveillance improves the effectiveness of traditional beach patrols by expanding nocturnal and morning monitoring capacity and allowing for proactive responses to threats. By integrating advanced technology, we provide cutting-edge training to local rangers and establish a model for modernized wildlife protection.

Partnerships with local authorities and community leaders underpin our conservation strategy, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and Aichi Biodiversity Target 18. Across Cabo Verde, NGOs have successfully lobbied to impose stricter protection laws meaning that law enforcement on damaging practices could now be applied since 2018. Through collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, other NGOs and the national police, we are working to improve the management of protected areas and integrate conservation into cultural and community governance. This ecosystem-level approach focuses on safeguarding habitats rather than individual turtles, fostering community ownership of conservation outcomes.

Collectively, these strategies address socio-economic and cultural factors influencing local behaviours, reinforcing loggerhead protection. By combining traditional methods with innovative approaches, we build ecological resilience and secure long-term species protection. Our model demonstrates the value of non-traditional conservation methods, offering scalable solutions for other endangered populations worldwide.

Sea turtles have traditionally been used for different purposes, such as medicine, cultural symbols, ornaments and above all as a food resource, so they play an important role in the subsistence of coastal communities. Therefore, it has been shown that using the ancestral knowledge of coastal communities, together with biological data, allows for a comprehensive analysis of the problems and improves the legitimacy of coastal governance. However, the change in habits of the population, where the use of natural resources is a vital source of income and essential for survival, has been a great challenge, so they have gradually been attracted to conservation and research programs, which generate different direct and indirect benefits for the population. Objective: To determine the sociocultural aspects and evaluate the impact that the actions of protection and conservation of sea turtles have on Afro-descendant communities in the state of Guerrero in Mexico. Methodology: Three communities were selected where there are Community Turtle Groups carrying out activities of protection and conservation of sea turtles for several years. These were: Barra de Tecoanapa, Playa Ventura and Punta Maldonado. Semi-structured surveys were conducted at random to the inhabitants of these coastal communities. Some of the questions asked were; Are sea turtle products consumed in your community? What sea turtle products are consumed? Do you think that the activities carried out by Turtle Groups benefit sea turtles and their community? Do you think it is still necessary to maintain the ban on sea turtle consumption? among others. A database was created and the corresponding statistical analyses were carried out using the IBM SPSS V.23 program. Results: 194 surveys were applied (66 in Barra de Tecoanapa, 64 in Playa Ventura, 64 in Punta Maldonado). 80.9% of the population surveyed maintains that sea turtle products are still consumed in their community; eggs, meat, blood and oil. It was found that 100% of the population surveyed agrees that the protection and conservation actions carried out at each site benefit sea turtles and the inhabitants of the community, and they are in favor of continuing the ban on sea turtles. Conclusion: Some inhabitants of Afro-descendant communities continue to consume products derived from sea turtles as part of their traditions; however, the conservation and protection actions of sea turtles carried out in different communities through turtle groups have economically benefited the population through the increase in tourists, which increases their sales in stores, and ecologically benefited sea turtles, since they have observed a notable increase in sea turtle populations on these beaches and, likewise, the consumption of products derived from sea turtles has decreased. It should be noted that this is the first research focused on the socio-ecological perspective of the community in Guerrero state, since the other research has been focused only on the protection and conservation of sea turtle populations.

Efforts to conserve biodiversity, including sea turtles, can result in cooperation or conflict among different actors depending on their interests, principles, engagement, and agreement when developing and meeting conservation objectives. Understanding the variables leading to these different states can help to inform the conservation and management of sea turtles and their habitats, by facilitating a state of cooperation instead of conflict.

We are examining scenarios of cooperation and conflict associated with sea turtle conservation through a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed publications from around the world. Our objective is to describe the conceptual framework (e.g., Social Ecological Systems, Human-Environment Interaction Model, Conservation Conflict Diagnostic Framework) and methods (e.g., ethnography, conflict mapping, stakeholder mapping, interviews, focus group discussions, Q methodology) used by researchers to identify and characterise cooperation and conflict situations in different contexts and highlight successful paths for strengthening cooperation or resolving conflict. We are currently reviewing >200 papers to extract data on the sea turtle species and RMU, location, interaction state (cooperation or conflict) and focus (e.g., ecotourism, community-based management, illegal take, governance), actors involved, and other information relevant to the study objective.

Understanding the strengths and potential weaknesses of approaches that have been used to understand conflict and cooperation associated with sea turtle conservation in the past will help emerging researchers in this field meet challenges of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (e.g., #2 Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity and #4 Develop a sustainable, resilient and equitable ocean economy) and goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (e.g., #14 Life Below Water).

The Mangrove Marine Park is a protected area created by Ministerial Order No. 0044/CM/ECN/92 of May 2, 1992. Located in the far west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the park spans 40 kilometers of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Since 1996, the Mangrove Marine Park has been recognized as a wetland of international importance and is listed under the Ramsar Convention. Three species of sea turtles visit the DRC coast. The beaches of the Marine Park serve as nesting habitats for the olive ridley turtles (which account for 99% of the nests) and leatherback turtles (1% of the nests). Green turtles are also observed at sea and as bycatch in fishing nets. Some observations of green turtles coming ashore but not nesting suggest a basking behavior similar to that observed in Hawaii (basking turtles).

Each year, the Mangrove Marine Park, managed by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), implements a sea turtle monitoring program. Mating occurs at sea during September and October, while nesting begins on October 15 and ends in late February. From October 1 to March 31 each year, 50 eco-guards patrol the coastline of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During these patrols, nesting activities are counted, and nests exposed to predation or erosion are transferred to hatcheries.

Monitoring conducted since 2019, according to SWOT minimum standards, highlights a negative trend in olive ridley turtle nesting activities.

The DRC coastline is also exposed to numerous threats, including: (1) the loss of nesting habitats due to significant erosion, leading to the disappearance of sandy areas; (2) poaching of nesting females and egg collection; (3) accidental capture by artisanal and industrial fisheries; (4) illegal fishing; and (5) plastic and oil pollution.

The situation is therefore concerning, and additional resources are urgently needed to counter the current negative trend. The proposed actions to improve the conservation status of sea turtles in the Congo include:

• Fighting coastal erosion through nature-based solutions that can maintain or restore the sandy strip, a critical turtle nesting habitat
• Combating poaching
• Developing mitigation and avoidance measures for accidental captures
• Tackling plastic pollution.

Bibliography

• Convention de Ramsar. (1996). Wetlands of International Importance. Ramsar Convention Secretariat.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2020). Sea Turtle Conservation Report. IUCN.
• WWF. (2021). Threats to Sea Turtles and Conservation Strategies in Central Africa. WWF International.
• ICCN. (2023). Annual Report on Marine Protected Areas Management in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature.

The collection of plastic waste is a key component of the “Zero-Plastic Coastline” initiative, launched by the Sea Turtle Network in Central Africa (RASTOMA) and implemented by the Cameroonian Association for the romotion of Marine Biology (ACB) around the Mayange na Elombo Marine Park in southern Cameroon, Central Africa. This program is carried out in collaboration with local communities and is funded by SeeTurtle. It is a direct response to the significant impact of plastic pollution on endangered sea turtles and their habitats.

The main objectives of this program are:

• · To organize regular plastic waste collection campaigns on sea turtle nesting beaches and promote waste sorting to reduce the presence of plastics and ghost nets in the coastal environment.
• · To establish simple recycling units in coastal villages, where turtle-shaped plastic keychains are made to initiate a circular economy that benefits both local communities and sea turtle conservation efforts.
• · To measure the amounts of marine litter found in the digestive tracts of dead, stranded sea turtles in order to assess the contamination of coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as food chains, by macro and microplastics.

This program allows for:

• · Concrete and urgent action to clean beaches and coastal habitats, limiting the impact of plastic waste on the environment, biodiversity, and human health.
• · Establishing an initial diagnosis of the quantity and nature of plastics in the area. This diagnosis will serve as a foundation for strengthening permanent solid waste management systems in the region.

As part of this initiative, recommendations were made to various stakeholders, including park managers, local councils, port authorities, and government services, to extend and support this initiative in order to protect sea turtles and their habitats in this critical protected area for the well-being of both wildlife and local communities.

Identify main threats and evaluate their impacts on a specie or a specific population, is essential to conduct conservation assessments at local and global scales, and for guiding conservation management strategies and policy. For sea turtles, monitoring population status and their threats is particularly challenging because of their scale of distribution, migratory nature, complex life cycles, long generation times and cryptic early life stages. In the last IUCN Red List global status review, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is categorized as “vulnerable” based on the “increasing trend” registered by some subpopulations, but with many subpopulations categorized as “data deficient”, due to the lack of information for many parts of their global range. In many cases, most part or the information is obtained on the breeding sites, where animals are more accessible, but few data are obtained from their other life stages.

Stranding networks and rescue centers attending sea turtles worldwide are distributed in the shores of many countries, but they usually work independently, uncoordinated and without any communication between them, or with other groups working in marine fauna conservation. In many cases, different criteria are used for treating the animals, and different kind of data are collected from each turtle. This establishes a great barrier to know the global status of some populations, restricting the assessment of their threats in specific areas or life stages.

In the Canary Islands, due to its archipelagic orography, each island has developed their own system to attend stranded sea turtles, with, in many cases, different criteria between them. The Project REDTORCAN (“Implementation of the coordinated network for stranding sea turtles in the Canary Islands”), aims to establish a coordinated network in the Canary Islands to reinforce and improve the attention to stranded sea turtles, and the adequate collection of standard data and biological samples, to identify potential threats and impacts, and transfer the homogenized data obtained in this important region to the monitoring programs at a local, national or international levels (Marine Strategy Framework Directive, OSPAR Convention, Barcelona Convention, etc.).

All the seven of the sea turtle species are threatened and protected worldwide due to direct human impacts and to the altering of natural conditions of their habitats.

In Sardinia (Italy) the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common marine turtle, that is currently under a strong protection program by the Sardinian Regional Network for the conservation of marine wildlife (SRN).

Since the year 2000, almost 1000 sea turtles have been rescued by seven of the Rescue and Emergency Centers, which represent the main partners of the network. However, in later years, more attention was focused on both the management of nesting sites along the coasts of the Island (reaching more than 60 nests) and on the marine litter analysis ingested by alive and dead sea turtles.

The protocols issued under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive through the projects related litter monitoring (INDICIT, MEDSEALITTER, BASEMAN) allowed us to involve extra-Mediterranean partners. These partners are located in northern Africa, where the pollution problem needed more attention.

Within the scope of these activities, a collaboration was initiated between the National Research Council (CNR) and Okra Projects, a Ghanian NGO operating to support education within the Turtle Conservation and Recycling fields. Okra has been working with turtle conservation since 2021.

During that year, Okra started some educational programs in the area of Beyin (Western Region) like a turtle conservation program with some schools in that area,
in hopes to raise awareness with students and adults regarding the problems related to pollution and sea turtle conservation.

During the past three years, the number of villages involved has increased to six along a 15 Km range of coastline.

Since there was a lack of information and knowledge; the SRN began cooperating with Okra to create a scientific partnership using this new approach to share this important knowledge with its members and volunteers.

It is a known fact that sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, and this represents a food source for many countries; in fact, sea turtles and their eggs still represent a food resource for many countries, despite that they are protected by law in Ghana.

In conclusion, the aim of this work is to improve the management of sea turtle nests and increase the hatching success of relocated eggs to the protected areas.

During the first year of this collaboration there was a noticeable and positive improvement with regard to the collaboration involving the local citizens and hatchlings which allowed them to reach the ocean safely.

In Bocas del Toro, Panama, sea turtles have been exploited for generations to supply local, national, and international markets with meat and shells. This exploitation led to the decline of the sea turtle population in the early 90s. However, following species protection in the early 2000s and conservation efforts in the area by the Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), sea turtle populations have increased, making Bocas del Toro one of the most important regions for sea turtle conservations in the Caribbean Basin. Despite these efforts, the illegal take of sea turtles in the area has not been assessed in the last twenty years. This study aims to elucidate the illegal take of sea turtles in Bocas del Toro’s nesting beaches (Playa Bluff, Playa Drago, Playa Larga, Playa Soropta, Rio Caña, Escudo de Veraguas, and Playa Roja); monitored by the STC. We used data collected between 2003 and 2024 during night patrols and daily surveys in the seven nesting beaches. We concluded that a sea turtle had been taken when (1) there were no down tracks of the turtles returning to the sea, (2) when the turtles were found butchered on the beach, and (3) when the sea turtles were found stranded tied, or with harpoon injuries. Additionally, egg clutches taken were identified by the presence of human footprints, holes made with a stick, or the absence of eggs in a fully formed nest chamber. We recorded the species, nesting beach, and date of each incident. Preliminary results show that between 2003 and 2024, at least 1,190 sea turtle clutches and 194 sea turtles were illegally taken in Bocas del Toro. Leatherback clutches were the most affected (60%), while hawksbills were the most frequently taken turtles (91.7%). This is likely to be underestimated since evidence of illegal take may have been concealed. This study highlights the extent of illegal take in Bocas del Toro, reducing the lack of information on this issue in the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, the finding will help identify hotspots of sea turtle illegal activity in Bocas del Toro, contributing to the protection of sea turtles in the context of Panama’s new sea turtle protection law.

Since 2010, the NGO Conservation des Especes Marines (CEM) has been based on the 54-km coast of Grand-Bereby in the San Pedro region of Cote d’Ivoire, carrying out activities to protect marine turtles in an important nesting and feeding area for olive ridley, green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles (as well as occasional loggerheads). Back in 2010, local communities were involved in poaching sea turtles and collecting the eggs for consumption or for sale, without understanding how vulnerable these species are and the importance of these nesting sites in their life cycle. We therefore started working with the communities to protect turtles and their habitat, while providing support for local sustainable development in harmony with the environment. We will describe here the development of infrastructure and livelihood initiatives that we carried out in the communities, which generated a strong and lasting support for conservation, which in turn resulted in each village ruling authority banning all sea turtle exploitation. As a direct consequence, all poaching in the area was halted and protection for all sea turtles became self-policed by the local communities. In addition, the presence of turtles has allowed CEM, in partnership with area hotels, to promote ecotourism in the region which also benefits the local population. CEM has also acquired and placed at the disposal of the Maritime Police of Grand-Bereby a patrol boat that is essential in the fight against illegal trawling (which benefits the local artisanal fishermen as well) and therefore in the protection of important marine habitats, sea turtles and more than 20 species of sharks and rays. In addition to the local communities, CEM are now supported by a range of local and international partners, and by the regional and national authorities. Thanks to CEM’s work, the government created in Grand-Bereby the first Marine Protected Area of Cote d’Ivoire in July 2022.

Wildlife Recovery Centers have as their main objective the rehabilitation of injured or sick protected fauna. In the Canary Islands, there are currently three Recovery Centers (Fuerteventura, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria) that take care of thousands of wild animals every year. These centers are also ideal places to carry out outreach and environmental education projects where visitors can see first-hand, eg. the consequences of pollution on wild animals, and how humans can reverse some of their main threats. Among the main threats are runovers, collisions, electrocutions, poisoning with toxic substances, and predominantly the presence of plastic and nets in the sea that seriously affect marine species such as turtles. In this sense, only in the year 2022 on the island of Tenerife, a hundred loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) had plastics in their digestive content, in addition, more than 90% of these animals had also suffered “entanglement” with marine litter. The creation and/or modernization of Wildlife Recovery Centers in the cooperation area (involving the Canaries, Azores, Madeira, Cabo Verde, Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia, and São Tomé and Príncipe), will profit from the experience of the Cabildo de Tenerife (which manages the Tahonilla Recovery Center). This new Recovery Center Network will enable a common working framework,that will enhance the conservation of marine and migratory species present in the cooperation area.

In this way, the Turtle & Nature Park in Joal in Senegal-West Africa has been designed not only as significant improvement in the conservation of marine turtle and migratory species will be made, but also contributes to the protection of our natural heritage, and Biodiversity. On one hand, this project would suppose what is colloquially called “a win to win” since all the regions would benefit from the established synergies between the different countries, and on the other hand, we will all learn effective actions that work and serve as a model for other regions. In this sense, technical projects for the implementation of Recovery Centers would be developed and specific training exchange programs with long-term stays on the island of Tenerife would be organized. Experts in Wildlife Recovery Centers management of the Canary Islands would share their experience with technicians and public employees of the involved countries.

In addition, through the collaboration of the Canary Islands Universities, procedures would be carried out to enable the exchange of samples of injured animals, in order to analyze the presence of poisons and/or emerging diseases. Finally, taking into account that these centers will become future green infrastructures that could serve as places of environmental awareness and specific environmental education plans that promote sustainable tourism in the involved regions, enabling the creation of a green economy.

The establishment of coastal Seasonal Protected Areas (SPAs) is a novel approach to marine protected areas in Seychelles. The concept of the SPAs as dynamic conservation areas based on the critical habitats used by marine vertebrates constitutes an innovative approach for mainstreaming ecosystem and biodiversity considerations effectively into a productive seascape and as a coping strategy for fluctuating impacts of climate change. SPAs are permanently designated but activated and managed only at certain times of the year, ie. During the nesting season. Data collected from two decades of monitoring (2004-2024) by the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles has shown a 31% decrease in hawksbill nesting activity across Mahé’s southern beaches. This indicates that the protection afforded to the species in 1994 is alone insufficient to halt a decline in numbers. The purpose of the SPAs is to enhance the protection of turtle nesting beaches on the island of Mahé through the mitigation of anthropogenic disturbances and impacts during the nesting season of hawksbill turtles from October to April, as well as through the protection and rehabilitation of their critical nesting habitat on the beach crests.

In Seychelles, SPAs will be open to community use and active community participation in the management of the areas is encouraged. The SPAs provide a promising new approach to MPA management in Seychelles and are well aligned with the country’s evolving approach to protected areas management. In general, the Government of Seychelles is interested in transitioning from an implementing role to a facilitating role in environment conservation, and community-managed SPAs provide an opportunity for the Government to transfer the responsibility of environmental protection to a greater portion of the Seychelles community.

Located in the Gulf Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is a Portuguese-speaking, two-island nation with approximately 215,000 inhabitants. It is recognized among the world’s top 25 biodiversity hotspots, hosting key nesting and foraging habitats for hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas), as well as a significant rookery of olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) and a small population of leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are also occasionally sighted in these waters, further highlighting the ecological value of the archipelago.

Historically, sea turtles have been exploited for commercial, cultural and subsistence reasons, with trade representing an important source of income for local communities. Today, pressure from unregulated fishing, rising poverty, declining fish stocks, and an increased demand for animal protein due to rapid human population growth (1.92% annually) have driven local fishers toward more destructive practices, including sea turtle harvesting, which contributes to the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Conservation efforts began in the 1990s, but it was only in 2018 that Programa Tatô formally become an NGO, engaging a broad network of stakeholders to address São Tomé’s conservation and socio-economic challenges. Recognizing that sea turtle conservation demands a holistic approach, Programa Tatô has implemented an integrated conservation approach to protect key habitats and foster sustainable community development. This community-based program combines research, ecological monitoring, protection of critical sites, environmental education, advocacy, and alternative livelihoods, such as ecotourism and the reconversion of former harvesters and traders into new roles.

Programa Tatô now includes a team of around 60 members, 90% of whom are São Tomé nationals. These efforts are specifically designed to tackle the diverse, interlinked challenges to sea turtle conservation, enhance scientific understanding of all sea turtle species found around São Tomé Island, and promote collaboration between fishing communities, national authorities, and the public. Through research and monitoring, we collect critical data on nesting trends, population dynamics, and anthropogenic pressures, which inform adaptive management strategies and targeted conservation actions.

Today this conservation program has fostered widespread public awareness and appreciation for sea turtles. By engaging communities in the conservation process, we are not only shifting current attitudes towards these species and the broader marine ecosystem but also inspiring a lasting cultural change. Through Programa Tatô’s environmental education initiatives, we are fostering a sense responsibility and care in future generations, encouraging young people to grow into lifelong advocates for their natural heritage and dedicated supporters of marine conservation.

Here, we outline Programa Tatô’s conservation strategy, highlighting key intervention areas and sharing valuable insights gained, while emphasizing the importance of an integrated, multidisciplinary, community-centered strategy, to ensure that São Tomé’s unique marine biodiversity continues to succeed and contribute to global conservation priorities.

Dating back to 1999, the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa (African Atlantic Turtle MOU) is one of the oldest regional conservation agreements under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Covering 14,000 km of coastline across 26 countries, from Morocco to South Africa, the MOU has been signed by 23 States and protects vital nesting sites, feeding areas, and migration corridors for six marine turtle species: loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea).

At the 3^rd Meeting of Signatory States (MOS3), held in Saly, Senegal, in September 2023, national reports from governments and stakeholders helped to assess the implementation of conservation and management activities, identifying threats, threat-reduction measures, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building needs. This analysis informed a new framework of priorities and actions for Signatory States, Range States, and the CMS Secretariat.

Based on a draft presented at the meeting, a Revised Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) for the African Atlantic Turtle MOU was agreed upon by government representatives, with expert input supporting the discussions. The CMP aims to achieve eight key objectives:

1. Improve our knowledge of marine turtle presence and distribution in-water and on the nesting beaches

2. Improve our knowledge of threats impacting marine turtle populations and their habitats

3.1. Reduce direct and indirect causes of marine turtle mortality

3.2. Protect, conserve and restore terrestrial and marine habitats for marine turtles

4. Increase awareness to threats facing marine turtles and their habitats, and enhance stakeholder participation in conservation activities

5.1. Enhance research and capacity-building programmes to improve the understanding and conservation of marine turtle populations

5.2. Enhance national, regional and international cooperation

6. Promote implementation of the Memorandum of Abidjan and its Conservation and Management Plan

With 23 associated programmes and specific activities outlined for each objective, the CMP provides a comprehensive framework for coordinated conservation efforts across the MOU area. We offer an overview of the activities agreed upon by the Signatory States and relate them to the findings of the national report analysis, providing a region-wide summary of internationally coordinated conservation measures to be implemented by Range States individually and collectively.

The TSD (Temperature dependent sex determination) refers to the determination of the sex or gender of sea turtles by temperature, this is defined during the second third of the incubation period of each species, which is known as PTS (thermosensitive period); the temperature of the PTS where a proportion of 50% of each sex is achieved, that is, females and males, is known as "pivot temperature". If in the incubation period, the average temperature oscillates between 25 to 27°C, the majority of the turtles will be males, while from 28 to 32°C they will be females.

Currently, the effects of climate change are reflected in different ways in everyday life, and unfortunately, sea turtles are no exception. With higher temperatures recorded on our beaches, most of the baby sea turtles that hatch are females, which will be a problem in the future, since there will be an imbalance, with a large number of females without males to reproduce with. Fortunately, there is a new tool that can provide a solution: NEST DOMES, the first natural domes made from tropical wood, which regulate temperature thanks to their design that allows air circulation, thus providing freshness to the nest's temperature, helping to achieve a 1:1 sex ratio. This project was implemented on the Mexican coast, in the area of ​​Rancho San Cristóbal, Baja California Sur, Mexico, by placing data loggers in protected nests in a corral, resulting in a temperature regulation of 4ºC, comparing a nest with data logger control and another without it. The results are preliminary, but they are a step towards a tool for regulating temperature and future sexual proportion in sea turtles.

The Kerkennah Islands play a critical role in the life cycle of sea turtles in the Gulf of Gabès, particularly as a feeding habitat for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). The islands’ shallow, warm waters provide a safe refuge for juvenile and adult turtles, offering protection from deep-sea predators. However, intensive fishing activities around the Kerkennah Islands contribute to substantial bycatch, posing serious threats to sea turtle populations. Such incidents often result in injuries that require rehabilitation and close monitoring prior to release. Due to the islands’ remote location and the logistical difficulties in transporting injured turtles to specialized care facilities, these turtles face heightened health risks.

In 2024, an abandoned aquaculture cage washed ashore on the Kerkennah Islands was transformed into a floating rehabilitation station, serving as a localized care facility for turtles impacted by bycatch. Financed by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC), This station not only enables turtle rehabilitation within their natural habitat but also fosters environmental education and ecotourism. Since June 2024, the station has received twenty loggerhead turtles, incidentally captured in fishing gear; nineteen of these turtles have been successfully treated, tagged, etched with unique shell markings, and returned to the sea.

Analysis of bycatch data revealed that turtles were captured using various fishing methods, with 45% from fixed traditional fishing (Charfia), 25% from drift nets, 10% each from gill and trammel nets, and 5% each from longlines and plastic traps. Beyond its rehabilitation efforts, the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Station (STRS) serves as an important resource for monitoring sea turtle behavior during recovery through underwater video recording. The station also attracts volunteers, tourists, and researchers, enhancing both public engagement and scientific understanding of these endangered species.

This innovative floating rehabilitation station offers a sustainable solution for sea turtle conservation in remote locations such as the Kerkennah Islands. Future efforts will focus on extending monitoring capabilities and developing partnerships to reduce bycatch, thus contributing to the conservation of sea turtle populations in the Mediterranean.

Renatura Congo is a Congolese association created in the Republic of Congo in 2005. For 20 years, its teams have been working for sea turtle conservation doing nesting monitoring all along the country’s 170 km coast and by-catch releasing. All its efforts have permitted to reduce poaching significantly but also to better understand sea turtles populations, especially nesting trends (and threats) of leatherback and olive ridley turtles and feeding and growing sites for green and hawksbill turtles. Since 2005, Renatura has also been developing a large awareness and outreach program, which reaches more than 40 000 children every year and has managed to create a measurable change of mindset around sea turtles in coastal communities. Thanks to its studies and advocacy, sea turtles have been nationally protected in 2011, and in 2023 the first community-based Marine Protected Area was created with the aim of protecting sea turtle habitats.

Conservation planning for endangered species like Pacific leatherback sea turtles requires data-driven tools to guide stakeholders in assessing the effectiveness of different conservation actions. Here we present a publicly accessible decision-support tool, the Leatherback Risk Management and Recovery Model (LRMRM) that integrates data on leatherback threats, past conservation efforts, and population models to support innovative approaches to future conservation. The LRMRM was built upon a multi-language systematic review of grey and academic literature to quantify leatherback mortality in Pacific fisheries. We assigned risk to specific fisheries based on fishery characteristics, potential estimated mortality, and fisheries behavior. The tool enables users to view spatial and temporal maps of fisheries risk, in relation to known areas of critical foraging and nesting habitat for Pacific leatherbacks. These findings inform population viability analysis models for two populations (East, West) and five subpopulations (Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Indonesia (Jamursba-Medi, Wermon), Papua New Guinea). These individual-based population models run in the IUCN-hosted Vortex software - allowing users to predict population trajectories under current conditions or in response to different conservation actions (bycatch reduction, egg translocation, and short-term captive rearing (headstarting)). The outputs include population size and probability of population survival over time, with plans to incorporate a cost component to allow for more comprehensive evaluations. Additionally, the literature review compiled numerous studies on bycatch mitigation strategies, enabling a bycatch mitigation quiz with tailored suggestions for specific gear types or within certain regions. Future plans include creating a platform for shared learning between conservation and fisheries stakeholders to understand what barriers to success may exist in certain fisheries or governments. The Leatherback Risk Management and Recovery Model provides data to empower stakeholders to effectively evaluate conservation actions for Pacific leatherbacks across multiple scales, while simultaneously offering a model that is easily adaptable for other endangered species.

The island of Boa Vista has long faced significant threats to its nesting loggerhead turtles from hunting for their meat, with up to a third of the nesting females once killed in a single season. However, intensified conservation efforts have reduced poaching mortality to less than 5% by 2017. With stricter laws, increased efforts by local conservation organisations, and a dedicated anti-poaching team led by Fundação Tartaruga, it fell further to below 0.2% by 2018. Despite this progress, poaching remains a challenge that requires ongoing, costly efforts to maintain low levels, with hopes of eventually eliminating it.

For many years, poachers left turtle carcasses on the beaches, resulting in an accumulation of more or less complete carcasses and bones scattered across the sands and hidden under bushes. While most of these remains primarily date back several years, “younger” and still complete carcasses can cause confusion in identifying recent poaching incidents. In addition, a complete record of all carcasses could provide valuable information on past and present poaching hotspots, but the recording process and any follow-up surveys could risk significant issues with double counting. Therefore, with the approval of the local department of the National Directorate for the Environment, it was decided to 'wipe the slate clean' and remove all turtle carcasses and bones from the beaches once they had been recorded and geolocated.

Starting in spring 2023, Fundação Tartaruga’s anti-poaching unit, the Dog and Drone Team, began recording and clearing carcasses outside the critical nesting season (June–October). On designated project days, they selected specific 2–5 km sections of beach, with team members deployed in dispersed formations to cover both shoreline and inland areas. In this way, the team worked systematically through the nesting beaches in contiguous sections. When a carcass or bone cluster was found, data was recorded, photos were taken, and the turtle remains were then collected and transported to a local landfill.

To date, 56 km of beaches have been surveyed and cleaned on the north, east, and south-east coasts of Boa Vista, covering the island’s key nesting beaches. In total, 1061 carcasses or bone accumulations were recorded, with 649 identifiable as individual turtles through presence of skulls, mandibles, or complete carapaces. The remaining cases lacked these identifying features, so the number of individuals represented could not be accurately determined. Based on random weighing of the turtle remains, approximately 10 metric tonnes of material have been removed from Boa Vista’s beaches so far.

This project, which we believe is the first of its kind, aims to complete its work by the start of the 2025 nesting season in June. The data from the clean-up will help identify and analyse past and present poaching hotspots, including those not previously covered by standard beach patrols, which in turn will improve protection strategies for the nesting turtles. Beyond conservation, the effort also benefits local tourism, as the sight of poached turtle carcasses and bone piles on otherwise pristine beaches detracts from the island’s appeal.

Terengganu's captivating marine landscapes provide a distinct opportunity for ecotourism, particularly focusing on sea turtle conservation. The region has recently experienced a surge in tourism driven by visitors' desire to engage with these iconic marine creatures in their natural settings. This growing interest highlights the critical need for tourism practices that are economically beneficial yet environmentally sustainable. The Terengganu Turtle Tourism Blueprint offers a comprehensive strategy to manage this potential responsibly. Its goal is to stimulate the local economy while safeguarding the natural habitats of sea turtles by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles effectively.

Environmentally, the strategy promotes ecotourism practices that minimize habitat disruption, advocates for sustainable practices such as waste reduction and the use of renewable energy, and enhances conservation efforts through collaborations with local groups. Socially, the blueprint champions community engagement and cultural immersion. It suggests employing locals as tour guides, supporting area businesses for services and accommodations, and facilitating cultural exchanges through educational and interactive experiences. This inclusive approach aims to distribute tourism benefits equitably and increase community support.

On the governance front, the blueprint underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration with local authorities and conservation organizations to establish a regulatory framework that supports sustainable tourism. It also calls for regular monitoring and evaluation to better understand tourism's impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

Finally, the blueprint introduces engaging tourism products such as volunteer conservation initiatives, scientific exhibitions, sea turtle hatchling releases, guided turtle nesting observations, and snorkeling excursions. These activities aim to enrich the tourist experience, educate visitors on marine conservation, and foster a deeper appreciation for marine life.

Aiming to protect nine vulnerable marine species, namely, the Mediterranean monk seal, the sperm whale, the Cuvier's beaked whale, the harbor porpoise, the common dolphin, the loggerhead sea turtle, the green turtle, the yelkouan shearwater and the Audouin’s gull, LIFE MareNatura[1] project pioneers in applying cutting edge research methods to designate new marine protected areas in Greece and in Italy.

Twelve institutions and organizations cooperate for the implementation of the project, under the coordination of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), with beneficiaries, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (NECCA), the University of the Aegean, the University of Crete - Natural History Museum of Crete, the National Observatory of Athens, the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), the NGOs Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, ARCHELON The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece and the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles (MEDASSET), and the private companies Nature Conservation Consultants-NCC and WaterProof Marine Consultancy and Services BV. The environmental think tank The Green Tank is the project's policy specialist advisor.

The project is implemented with the contribution of 75% of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Commission and the co-financing of the Green Fund and the Foundation A.G. Leventis, with a total of €10.7 million.

To achieve its goals, extensive field surveys are being conducted, using advanced techniques like telemetry, bioacoustics, and environmental DNA sampling to gather data on species distribution, migration routes, feeding grounds and underwater noise. During the 1st year of the project, more than 4,500 nautical miles have been covered carrying out boat and aerial surveys, while 85 transmitters have been placed on seabirds and loggerhead turtles. The project will also map the threats of the targeted species and hence develop a decision-support tool and an integrated monitoring system to assess their conservation status and plan future management strategies.

Key components of the project include Policy actions for effective communication and interaction with the competent authorities and other stakeholders, as well as public awareness campaigns.

Through the identification of key habitats within Greek and Italian territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, the project is aligning with the EU Biodiversity Strategy aka 30*30 strategy, which targets the protection of at least 30% of land and sea in Europe by 2030.

LIFE MareNatura stands as the largest European project ever implemented in Greece for the protection of marine biodiversity.

[1] The program LIFE22-NAT-EL-101113792 “Conservation of priority species of marine megafauna in Greece and Italy” – LIFE MareNatura is implemented with the contribution of 75% of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Commission and the co-financing of the Green Fund and the Foundation A.G. Leventis.

Community participation in managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is often essential to achieving MPAs’ social, economic, cultural, and conservation goals. However, collaborative governance is not a guaranteed solution. While local participation can support sustainable and equitable resource governance, it does not ensure effective environmental management. Communities may lack the experience, resources, or cohesion to organize effectively, and external actors like NGOs or governments may inadvertently hinder or neglect such engagement. Thus, while consensus grows around involving communities in MPA governance, practitioners and policymakers continue to debate the best ways to enable meaningful participation. This presentation explores these themes through a case study in El Salvador, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.

El Salvador hosts one of the largest remaining aggregations of eastern Pacific hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), representing nearly half of the known regional nesting population. Although substantial progress has been made in protecting nesting beaches, bycatch mortality remains a critical threat. Punta Amapala, along El Salvador’s southern coast in the Gulf of Fonseca, is a major bycatch hotspot. Within this area, Poza de la Gata (1 km²) serves as a biodiversity-rich foraging and resting ground for hawksbills but also reports some of the highest bycatch mortality rates globally, threatening population recovery.

ProCosta, a national conservation NGO, has partnered with local fishers for over a decade to reduce bycatch. Through this collaboration, alongside ongoing bycatch mitigation efforts, fishers and practitioners have reached a growing consensus on the need for spatial-based conservation to protect hawksbills and their habitats. In response, a group of local fishers proposed establishing a small MPA at Poza de la Gata to safeguard hawksbills and juvenile fishery species. Concurrently and independently, the Salvadoran government and other organizations are advancing a similar initiative but at a larger scale.

This presentation examines the opportunities and challenges of fostering community involvement in the proposed MPA. We discuss the initiative’s mixed origins—from grassroots to governmental—and outline ongoing efforts to support local participation in MPA governance, including integrating local knowledge, organizing communities, and facilitating interinstitutional collaboration. Finally, we provide recommendations and lessons learned from this experience.

The unique archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe provides vital habitats for five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, each listed on the IUCN Red List. Globally recognized as a top biodiversity hotspot, this country is particularly vital for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and is home to the last significant rookery for the critically endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Eastern Atlantic.

Although legal protections were established only 10 years ago (Law-Decree 8/2014), sea turtles in São Tomé have been historically been exploited for commercial, cultural and subsistence purposes – a practice that has posed a significant threat to their populations. To tackle such complex challenges, it is not enough to monitor sea turtle numbers alone. Recognizing this, Programa Tatô has developed a science-driven conservation model to transform how conservation decisions are made. Our research goes beyond population counts, employing an interdisciplinary approach to map population structures, track migratory and internesting areas, and identify key habitats – filling critical knowledge gaps that inform precise and effective conservation strategies.

Over the past decade, Programa Tatô has been combine methods such as nesting and in-water surveys, satellite tracking, small-scale fisheries monitoring, and socio-economic studies. For example, tracking sea turtles during the internesting period has allowed us to define core areas for marine protected areas (MPAs) design, while monitoring small-scale fisheries can offer a robust estimation of sea turtle bycatch. These efforts generate detailed, actionable insights that not only guide the design of São Tomé’s first network of marine protected areas, but also supported the creation of special reserves and sea turtle sanctuaries in high-priority nesting and foraging sites. This model leverages both ecological and human dimensions, offering a nuanced understanding of how sea turtles interact with local environments and communities.

Here, we present the latest findings from a decade of multidisciplinary research, reflecting substantial progress in science-based sea turtle conservation in São Tomé Island. Our studies reveal complex linkages between human activities, environment factors, and the survival of these endangered species. By aligning scientific inquiry with conservation management, Programa Tatô is not only protecting sea turtles but also building a robust framework for the long-term, sustainable stewardship of São Tomé’s unique marine ecosystems.

External and internal factors influence the incubation temperature of sea turtle nests, which in turn affects hatchling sex and hatching success. This study, conducted in San Luis de la Loma, Guerrero, aimed to evaluate the influence of climate variables —including air temperature (°C), humidity (%), precipitation (mm), and solar radiation (W/m²)— along with nest position (top, middle, bottom) and circadian rhythm, on the incubation temperature, hatchling sex ratios, and hatching success of Dermochelys coriacea. During the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 nesting seasons, 12 nests were analyzed. Climate variables significantly influenced incubation temperature, except for solar radiation (F = 0.01; df = 1; p = 0.91). Circadian rhythm did not have a significant effect (F = 0.80; df = 1; p = 0.37), whereas the position within the nest significantly influenced incubation temperature (F = 25.56, df = 2, p < 0.01). All nests achieved a hatching success rate above 50%. The highest recorded incubation temperature was 31.37 ± 0.70˚C, while the lowest was 27.51 ± 0.39˚C. Among the nests, 58.33% experienced feminizing temperatures, 25% had incubation temperatures near the pivotal temperature, 8.33% experienced masculinizing temperatures, and 8.33% had temperatures close to the female-dominant range.

The eastern pacific population of the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation efforts on nesting beaches, female monitoring, and recruitment of hatchlings to the sea are strategies implemented for the recovery of sea turtle populations. Santuario Playa Tierra Colorada in Guerrero, Santuario Playa Cahuitán and Santuario Playa Barra de la Cruz-Playa Grande in Oaxaca are index nesting beaches for this population in Mexico. During the 2023-2024 season, the curved carapace length (CCL) and curved carapace width (CCW) of nesting females were measured, and each female was identified as a remigrant or neophyte using metal tags and PIT-tags. The percentages of hatching success, infertility, and embryo mortality were recorded in the nests of 35 females. The CCL, CCW, and weight of hatchlings were also recorded. The average CCL of nesting females was 142.5 cm (131.7-152.0 cm), and the average CCW was 100.8 cm (88.8-110.0 cm). Hatchlings measured an average of 5.9 cm in CCL, 4.9 cm in CCW, and weighed 40 grams. Female identity did not influence reproductive success during this season. The percentage of infertility was 20.10% (6.98-44.23 %), hatching success was 8.4 % (0-30.56 %), and embryo mortality was 64.69% (5.26-90.70 %). External factors affecting the nest might influence embryo development and hatching success, as well as hatchling condition. Continuing research on maternal effects and maturity in nest success is important.

Sea turtles depend on sandy beaches around the World for their nesting habitat. They face a major challenge in the flooding and erosion of their nesting beaches. The specific tolerance of turtle nests to inundation remains uncertain, but both the length and frequency of flooding events have been reported as key factors impacting egg viability. Flooding typically results from wave runup, storm surges, high tides, rainfall, or a combination of these, though the persistence of inundation often depends on the local beach groundwater dynamics. However, groundwater dynamics are strongly influenced by local hydrodynamics and beach characteristics, including slope, grain size, and permeability. Thus, understanding the factors driving groundwater variability in nesting areas is crucial for assessing the need for management actions like nest relocation and for developing nature-based solutions that can reduce the risk of nest flooding.

Here, we present data collected during extensive field campaigns monitoring hydrodynamics, groundwater levels, and sediment characteristics at two nesting beaches in contrasting coastal environments: Galveston Island in Texas and Ostional in Costa Rica. Galveston Island’s low-sloping, dissipative beaches serve as nesting habitat for the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Due to its conservation status and the risk of nest flooding, all nests are currently relocated to an incubation facility at Padre Island National Seashore. In contrast, Playa Ostional in Costa Rica hosts one of largest olive ridley arribada populations and is characterized by steeper, coarser beaches. At both sites we installed slotted groundwater wells along the cross-shore profile and measured elevation profiles and sediment characteristics. In Galveston we also measured near- and offshore water levels and waves.

Our results show that the beaches on Galveston Island have a relatively high groundwater table (generally within 1 m of the sand surface), which can rise up to the surface quickly and for prolonged time periods during surge events or heavy rainfall. Incubating nests are therefore highly susceptible to repeated and prolonged inundation, suggesting these beaches are currently not optimal for nesting. Preliminary results in Ostional show that prolonged groundwater inundation of nests is much less likely. As the beach elevation and slope are higher, the mean groundwater table is lower and high groundwater levels decrease more quickly.

The data from our field experiments helps us better understand groundwater processes on nesting beaches and how they relate to the flooding of nests. In the future, we plan to use the data to calibrate a predictive model which can be used (i) directly by coastal managers to make informed decisions regarding whether to relocate or leave turtle nests in situ; and (ii) in the long-term to help design and implement turtle-friendly beach nourishment strategies that provide optimal nesting habitat for these endangered species.

The Akupara Sea Turtles Conservation Project has been working for nine years at Puipuy beach, located to the north-east of the Paria Peninsula, Sucre State, Venezuela (coordinates 10°38’44” latitude North and 63°2’20” longitude West, which is a nesting site of the Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). The principal aims of the project are to promote the conservation of these species and their environment, to quantify the size of the nesting population, and to protect their nests. Among the main threats these animals face are by-catch, contamination, illegal take of eggs and climate change.

During the 2023 season, the average hatching success for the nests transferred to the hatchery was 16%. Most of the eggs were cooked, there were interruptions in the first stages of embryonic development, malformations, albino embryos and eggs apparently with no development of any kind, growth of bacteria, etc. The results from the hatchery nests were compared with those from the disinterment of nests left in situ, and low success rates were found there also, the conclusion being that the main cause could have been the high temperatures and also the constant flooding from the passing of tropical storms.

To improve the results obtained, it was proposed that for the following season, in the year 2024,a polypropylene multifilament mesh should be used as well as protective netting to prevent looters entering the hatchery, transferring there most of the nests. Temperature monitoring was conducted using four HOBO temperature loggers (accuracy ± O.53 ºC; Onset Computer Corporation, Bourne, MA), which recorded temperature measurements at 10-minute intervals throughout the entire incubation period. The average hatching success increased to 74%, well over the low value of the previous year. The effect of the multifilament mesh in the hatchery was to reduce up to 12 ºC compared to the rest of the beach, which was confirmed by temperature readings (data loggers) at two control sites (outside and inside the hatchery). Multiple studies suggest that extreme incubation temperatures (above 34-35 ºC or below 24-25 ºC) have an adverse effect on the development and viability of sea turtle embryos. On the beach peaks of up to 48 ºC were recorded, while inside the hatchery the temperature stayed within the margin of 30 ºC to 35 ºC. The use of the mesh is indispensable for optimizing the work of nest protection and monitor temperature constantly.

As part of conservation strategy there are regular talks to schools and tourists, as well as beach cleaning activities, and different activities for the recycling of materials, such as crafts and the creation of the first ecological mural with more than 5,000 bottle tops at the local school. A community library was also created, with donated books, open to the public in general.

Angola has a coastline of 1650 km, of which approximately 1210 km are considered sea turtle nesting habitat. It supports the largest nesting population of olive ridley turtles in the East Atlantic, but nests are not homogeneously distributed along the coast, and therefore hatchling output varies among areas with the regions of the Sereia Peninsula (15 km) (6 ° 04' 38.62 '' S and 6 ° 10' 22.37 '' S) and Praia dos Pobres (1.5 km) (6 ° 07' 12.38 '' S and 12 ° 20' 42.17 '' E and, 6 ° 07' 07.17 '' S and 12 ° 21' 37.21 '' E) considered as the important nesting areas in Angola. The aim of this study is to present the size and productivity of the olive ridley turtle population nesting in the Sereia Peninsula and Praia dos Pobres. Kitabanga Project conducted a daily monitoring of Sereia Peninsula beaches (15 km) between 2014 and 2024 and of Praia dos Pobres between 2020 and 2024. An average annual density of 54 nests/km was estimated for the Sereia Peninsula and 111 nests/km for Praia dos Pobres. The estimated average annual number of nesting females was between 270 and 809 for the Sereia Peninsula and between 56 and 167 animals for Praia dos Pobres. The temporal variation in nesting showed seasonal oscillation in nest numbers every three years in the Sereia Peninsula, but in recent years a decline was recorded. At Praia dos Pobres, the variation in nest numbers followed a biannual oscillation and was considered stable. In the past 10 years, 713,426 hatchlings were born in the Sereia Peninsula with an annual average of 71,343 hatchlings. At Praia dos Pobres, in the past 4 years, 66,069 hatchlings were born, with an estimated annual average of 16,517 hatchlings. Due to human impacts and pressure in the region, some of the nests laid on both beaches are transferred to incubation centres, with hatching success rates exceeding 90%, which is not observed in situ. Despite conservation efforts, there is still strong pressure in the Sereia Peninsula region, especially from the fishing sector, which may explain the decrease in the number of nests on the Sereia Peninsula.

This poster aims to report the recapture of a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) originally tagged in August 2021 and subsequently found in August 2024. The turtle was first flipper and satellite-tagged as part of a long-term monitoring effort to assess the post-nesting migratory movements and habitat use of marine turtles in the Red Sea. The recapture represents the first record of this nature within Al Wajh Lagoon, specifically at Breem Island. This evidence provides valuable insights into the green turtle growth, site fidelity, and potential migration patterns. Such findings contribute to the understanding of green turtle behavior and support ongoing long-term conservation strategies in the region.

There are seven species of sea turtle around the globe, all of which are conservation concern and appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are the most common species found in the Red Sea with the hawksbill being the most common species found in Jordan’s waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. Both green and hawksbill turtles are known to nest in Egypt and the Saudi Arabian Red Sea though little nesting has been recorded in their respective Gulf of Aqaba coasts. Neither species has been previously reported as nesting on the sandy beaches of Jordan. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has ~25km coastline. Much of it is built up, though several stretches of sandy coast remain. The coastline has not been surveyed for nesting suitability or actual nesting in recent years. Given the range expansion sea turtle nesting is experiencing in other parts of the globe, it may be that sea turtles start to attempt nesting on Jordan’s beaches in the future. The current survey aimed to classify Jordan’s coastline for sea turtle nesting suitability. Potential beach areas were pre-identified using Google Earth. The survey was carried out by walking these areas of coast during the day. Beach substrate, width, slope and elevation were recorded to determine suitability. Existing anthropogenic impacts that might affect turtle reproductive success such and artificial lighting and beach obstructions were recorded at all sites with sea turtle nesting potential. Proposals for management to counter existing and potential threats will be produced for potential nesting areas. The surveys also sought to record any evidence of turtles in the area through noting any strandings. Fieldwork was completed during November 2024. We were unable to access aprox. 1.25km of the 15.75km of preselected coast for security reasons. No areas of coast were assessed to have high potential for hawksbill turtle nesting and successful green turtle nesting potential is highly unlikely. Furthermore, no turtle strandings were observed along the coast. We conclude that the coast has little natural potential for sea turtle nesting, but with several coastal stretches experiencing beach nourishment for tourism purposes nesting potential may arise if the introduced sand is sufficiently deep.

This study takes place on Playa San José, located in Parque Nacional Santa Rosa within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, in the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica. The research is conducted by Fundación Reserva Ojochal-Tortuga in collaboration with the "Costa Rica por Siempre" initiative and with technical support from the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC). This beach hosts a significant population of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), contributing notably to the conservation of this species in the eastern Pacific.

The monitoring aims to generate relevant data on the size and status of marine turtle populations nesting on Isla San José, promoting the implementation of management and conservation actions. The methodology follows the 2020 SINAC ecological monitoring protocol for turtle nesting beaches, which includes key indicators such as nesting area, number of nests per species, nest emergence percentage, nest fertility, and temperature. Additional variables characterize the female green turtle population; including biometric data, nesting behavior patterns, migration, nesting frequency, and oviposition dynamics. Data collection is conducted through nightly and morning patrols, nest tracking, and exhumations; with satellite tagging implemented to record migratory patterns and foraging areas.

The results include both historical and current data from Isla San José. Between 2012 and 2016, Luis Fonseca monitored four seasons, tagging 1,232 females and recording an average of 1,077 nests per season—the highest in Costa Rica’s Pacific region. A notable finding is the nest density, the second highest in the eastern Pacific, with an annual average of 3,264 nests/km.

After a pause in monitoring, activities resumed on February 2, 2024, and will continue until March 2025. This will allow for comparisons of this season's results with historical data to update the green turtle population status on this beach.

The reactivation of monitoring on Playa San José provides valuable insights, as it is one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles in Central America's northern Pacific region. The high nest density and geographic characteristics make it a key area for the species. In 2013, the Convención Interamericana para la Protección y Conservación de las Tortugas Marinas (CIT) designated it as an "index beach" for green turtles in the region. Current and future findings will help assess the population status and guide management and conservation strategies to ensure the future continuance of this turtle population.

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (KBSTRRC) is a nonprofit sea turtle conservation organization in North Carolina, USA. KBSTRRC’s Topsail Turtle Project (TTP) is permitted by the State of North Carolina to monitor the beaches of Topsail Island for nesting sea turtle activity. Nesting data has been collected consistently for 30 years.

May 1 through August 31 is sea turtle nesting season in North Carolina. Each day, TTP volunteers survey the 41.8 km (26 miles) of Topsail Island looking for sea turtle nests. If eggs are deposited in an unsuitable location, volunteers will relocate the nest. Nest are monitored nightly during hatching season. Three days after hatchling emergence, the nest contents are inventoried and additional data are collected.

Nest relocation is a common conservation strategy for protecting sea turtle eggs from environmental threats such as tidal inundation, predation, and temperature extremes, however its impact on reproductive success and hatchling fitness continues to be studied.

In the state of North Carolina, USA, management guidance limits nest relocation efforts to 30% or less of the total nests per season. The Topsail Turtle Project has historically relocated greater than 30% of nests based on the very dynamic beach front of a narrow barrier island, complicated by the differing sand conservation strategies of the three municipalities comprising Topsail Island (renourishment, inlet dredging, and mainland sand pit haul and dump).

This study examines the effects of nest relocation efforts on Topsail Island loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests, assessing hatch and emergence success. We compared hatch success and emergence success between 2024, a low relocation year, with the prior ten-year period, all of which were high relocation years.

From 2014 through 2023, the average relocation rate of loggerhead nests on Topsail Island was 54.4%. These are considered high relocation years. During the 2024 nesting season, 14.4% of nests were relocated - the lowest relocation rate in 30 years. Mean hatch success rates were 81.0% during high relocation years and 68.2 during the low relocation year, and mean emergence rates were 74.6% during high-relocation years compared to 64.4% during one low relocation year. Findings suggest that increased nest relocation may impact hatch success (12.8% higher) and emergence success (10.2% higher).

This study contributes to the understanding of relocation as a conservation tool. Further research is necessary to determine whether the above trends hold over multiple years. It should be noted that this study did not consider sex ratios or hatchling fitness, which are also important areas of research. Context-specific nest management practices are important to optimize sea turtle reproductive outcomes.

Hybridization occurs in both plants and animals at varying rates, including sea turtles with six known hybrid combinations between five species. How hybridization affects smaller, more isolated populations and reproductive output of these vulnerable species is poorly studied. However, in other organisms hybridization can be beneficial, increasing immune responsiveness, or detrimental, causing genetic or demographic swamping. Although it is likely sea turtles have been hybridizing for a long period of time, anthropogenic impacts may increase the effects of hybridization due to decreased population sizes and reduced nesting sites. Unviable Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas sea turtle eggs were collected from seven sites in northwest Florida in partnership with the United States Geological Survey and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Yolk and tissue samples from sea turtle eggs have been collected and DNA was extracted. PCR was conducted using the COI gene. Sequences produced from sanger sequencing were compared to the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research database to determine if hybridization is present. Hybridization was compared with nest success rate and developmental stages of sampled eggs. These data could be used to aid in future management and conservation strategies of sea turtle species.

Tropical storms and hurricanes pose a significant threat to sea turtle nest success, as storm surge often results in nest flooding and sand accretion. In recent years, mid-season hurricanes have impacted sea turtle nests in Sarasota County, Florida - a high density nesting beach in the Gulf of Mexico. These severe weather events put numerous nests at risk of damage or complete loss. In an attempt to combat these threats, emergency relocations are requested for research focused nests that are at highest risk. In the 2023 and 2024 nesting seasons, 37 total nests were approved to be relocated off the beach due to hurricanes Idalia and Debby. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of nest relocation by comparing hatching success rates between relocated nests and those left in situ across multiple hurricane seasons.

Microplastics, new persistent pollutants, have recently attracted considerable attention. When present in beach sediments, microplastics may adversely affect the nesting and hatching of sea turtles on beaches. In this study, we investigate microplastic pollution at Qilianyu (northeastern Xisha Islands), the largest known nesting ground for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in China. We found that the average abundance of microplastics in the beach surface sediments was 338.44 ±315.69 thousand pieces·m⁻³ or 1,353.78 ± 853.68 pieces·m⁻², with foam and fragments as the main microplastic type identified. The microplastic particles were categorised as small and were predominantly within the 0.05–1 mm size category. Most microplastic particles were white (71.31%). Polystyrene and polyethylene were found to be the most common forms of plastic present. Microplastic pollution was not only observed on the beach surface but also at the bottom of nests approximately 60 cm may be harmful to the incubation of sea turtle eggs. We suggest removing plastic litter, especially small pieces of plastic, on beaches to reduce the threat of microplastic pollution to marine life, including sea turtles. Furthermore, the foam used in aquaculture should be recovered and replaced before it becomes fragmented due to age. In addition, regional cooperation between stakeholders in the South China Sea should be strengthened to collectively promote the reduction and cleanup of marine litter.

Nutrients can be transported within and between ecosystems by physical (e.g., wind and water) or biotic (e.g., animals) vectors. Sea turtles are an example of such animals. Sea turtle nesting brings marine-derived nutrients into sandy beach ecosystems, potentially influencing their dynamics. This nutrient input is more readily detectable in high sea turtle nest density sites worldwide. We investigated nutrient input from green turtle Chelonia mydas eggs and hatchlings into coastal habitats in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. The João Vieira-Poilão Marine National Park (JVPMNP), located in the Bijagós Archipelago, hosts one of the world’s largest green turtle breeding aggregations at Poilão Island. We assessed two islands within the JVPMNP with contrasting sea turtle nesting density: João Vieira, with very low nest density, and Poilão, with very high nest density. On each island, we analysed stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in one pair of plant species (coinvine Dalbergia ecastaphyllum bush/baobab Adansonia digitata tree) and two pairs of predator species (tufted ghost crab Ocypode cursor/African rainbow crab Cardisoma armatum and sea catfish Carlarius spp./crevalle jack Caranx hippos). The first species in each pair is distributed closer to nesting sites, while the second is found further inland or offshore. We also conducted stomach content analysis for fishes. Our results supported nutrient input from turtle clutches benefiting the species living near nesting sites. Shoreline coinvines at Poilão had higher δ¹⁵N (5.1 ± 3.2‰) compared to João Vieira (approximately 0‰), suggesting assimilation of turtle-derived ¹⁵N. Shoreline tufted ghost crabs at Poilão had enriched δ¹⁵N (15.2 ± 0.7‰ vs. João Vieira’s 12.2 ± 1.1‰) and δ¹³C (-13.4 ± 0.7‰ vs. João Vieira’s -18.7 ± 1.4‰), likely reflecting predation upon eggs and hatchlings. Sea catfishes at Poilão frequently consumed unhatched turtle eggs washed into the sea (17% frequency of occurrence) and hatchlings (up to 27% frequency of occurrence). This study suggests that nutrient availability from turtle nests influences and supports shoreline plants and consumers at JVPMNP.

The Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is an endemic species of the Gulf of Mexico, with approximately 90% of its population nesting at the Playa Rancho Nuevo Turtle Sanctuary in Tamaulipas. This species is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to multiple threats such as illegal fishing, marine pollution, habitat modification, and climate change. In response to the rapid decline of the population, a binational recovery plan was established between the United States and Mexico. In 2009, around 8,000 females were reported nesting, with projected growth of 19% annually between 2010 and 2020. Criteria were also established to remove the species from the endangered list (unlisting or delisting). However, various threats interrupted this trend, resulting in a population setback by 2017. This highlights the need for long-term monitoring to assess the recovery potential of the species, especially in long-lived organisms like sea turtles. Population behavior can be studied through the size of individuals, which is related to their fitness and sexual maturity. In recent years, a trend of decreasing turtle size has been observed, possibly in response to environmental and demographic changes. Factors such as the increase of neophyte turtles (smaller than remigrants), earlier sexual maturity, and decreased adult survival also contribute to this reduction in size.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the trends in body size of Kemp's ridley turtles at the Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary between 2018 and 2023. The sizes of 191 nesting turtles were recorded, finding an average size of 61.16±2.17 cm. Significant differences were observed between years, with the smallest average size recorded in 2020 (59.01±1.79 cm). Additionally, turtles were found to be smaller than previously reported for first nesting (61.8 ± 1.8 cm). This may be due to recovery efforts for the species, with the recruitment of smaller neophyte nesting turtles born after 2010 returning later to nest as remigrants at Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas. Recovery activities for the species are favorable, as if this good pace is maintained, the population may reach projected figures to downgrade its protection status or, even better, be removed from the endangered species lists.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of infectious diseases caused by fungi in marine ecosystems, presumably because of the rapid increase in ecological disturbances associated with anthropogenic climate change. Increasing temperatures and regional shifts in precipitation can foster fungal overgrowth within sea turtle nests, and reports of fungal infections of sea turtle eggs have increased around the globe. Fungal overgrowth by Fusarium spp. in sea turtle nests can cause sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF). STEF causes embryo mortality and has been linked to decreased hatching success in all seven species of sea turtles. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which has the lowest global average hatching success at ~50%, is at high risk of suffering negative impacts from STEF. While existing studies highlight the urgent need for research on the prevalence of Fusarium spp. in the sand where leatherbacks nest, we are not aware of any published research on this topic. Our work focused on the nesting assemblage in southeastern Florida, USA. To address the need for information on Fusarium spp. in the sand, we obtained samples from leatherback sea turtle nests at oviposition and excavation in Boca Raton, Juno Beach, and Jupiter Florida and used real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure the amount of Fusarium spp. present in nest sand. These quantitative data were used to determine whether the quantity of Fusarium spp. in the nest at each time point covaries with emergence success, hatching success, and environmental factors. This molecular approach sheds light on key factors contributing to the occurrence and abundance of Fusarium spp. and whether it is associated with the low hatching success observed in crucial Florida nesting hotspots and therefore stifling population recovery. Additionally, the knowledge gained from this research enhances our understanding of STEF and can help regulators plan mitigation strategies to improve hatching success.

Climate-driven shifts in the phenology of species are altering ecosystems worldwide, with marine turtles being particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Here, we present a 26-year analysis of nesting phenology and population trends for green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles in the Cayman Islands. For both species, the onset of nesting has significantly advanced, as has been observed at other sites ranging from the Atlantic (USA), Mediterranean (Northern Cyprus) to the Indopacific (Australia). In Cayman, the onset of green turtle nesting has significantly advanced at a rate of 0.6 days.yr-1, while the end of the nesting season has been delayed by 1.0 days.yr-1, leading to a significant extension in the overall duration of the nesting season by 1.6 days.yr-1. In contrast, loggerhead turtles have experienced a significant advancement in nesting onset at a rate of 0.7 days.yr-1, but no significant changes were observed in the end of the nesting season or its duration over the study period. The peak of nesting however, has not changed significantly over this period for either species, suggesting that the observed changes in the onset and duration of nesting may be driven by demographic factors, including population recovery as well as temperature change. SST in proximity to the nesting beaches was a better predictor of the onset of nesting than temperature at known foraging sites, with warmer temperatures strongly correlated with earlier nesting, with green turtles advancing their nesting by approximately 11.4 days for each 1°C increase in April SST and loggerhead turtles by 13.5 days for each 1°C increase in March SST. Understanding phenological responses to rising temperatures is important to ascertain the thermal window for egg incubation and whether current levels of offspring sex ratios and hatching success will be maintained, thus mitigating some of the long-term effects of climate change on sea turtle populations.

Foraging grounds are crucial for the survival of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas), a species classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List. These coastal areas provide food and shelter that are essential for individuals at this life stage. Long-term studies are necessary to monitor turtle populations, enabling the assessment of health status, growth rates, abundance, residency time, migrations rates, and other important ecological aspects. Since 2010, the Aruanã Project has been monitoring green turtles at Itaipu Beach, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the capture-mark-recapture methodology, initially conducted through the monitoring of bycatch individuals in beach seine carried out by fishermen (2010-2013) and then through intentional captures (2014-2024) using a beach seine similar to that of the fishermen, but smaller in size. This region, located within the Reserva Extrativista Marinha de Itaipu (RESEX-Mar Itaipu), a sustainable use conservation unit, is an important feeding ground for juvenile and sub-adult green turtles. Between January 2013 and April 2024, 176 individuals were tagged during 193 capture days, including 35 days through beach seines and 158 through intentional captures. From 2013 to 2015, four intentional capture seasons were conducted annually, reducing to two seasons per year from 2016. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring was paused in 2020 and resumed mid-2021. The mean curved carapace length (CCL) of first captures was 56.6 ± 12.5 cm, ranging from 27.4 to 74.0 cm. Of these, 134 turtles (76,1%) were recaptured at least once, with a maximum of 18 recaptures for one individual. Residency time was estimated considering the minimum stay of individuals for at least one subsequent capture season. The minimum interval between first and second captures ranged from 65 days (≈ 2 months) to 3,967 days (≈ 130 months). Growth rates were calculated for 102 turtles with recapture intervals greater than 90 days, categorized by CCL size classes (30-40 cm, 40-50 cm, 50-60 cm, 60-70 cm). The mean annual growth rate was 7.9 ± 3.7 cm/year, ranging from 1.1 to 18.4 cm/year. The peak growth rate was observed in the 50-60 cm class, followed by a gradual decline in the subsequent size classes. The growth rate obtained in this study is notably higher than those reported in other regions in Brazil, such as Ceará (6.7 cm/year), and other countries, such as Mexico (6.2 cm/year). These results underscore the importance of RESEX-Mar Itaipu, especially Itaipu beach, as a feeding area for juvenile green turtles. It has been proven that green turtles in Itaipu feed on fish remains that are filleted and discarded at sea by local fishermen. This highlights the importance of this relationship and the need to maintain socio-environmental actions in partnership with the fishing community, as has been carried out by the Aruanã Project since 2010. Continued monitoring and further research, including home range determination and genetic analysis, may shed light on other aspects related to the importance of this area for green turtle populations.

Over recent decades, a reduction in size at maturity has been reported among marine turtles. Such size reduction may result from factors like population growth dynamics and elevated adult mortality rates. Larger turtles have been shown to produce more extensive clutches and may experience advantages in both mate attraction and predation avoidance, suggesting that declining size at maturity could undermine reproductive success. Despite the fact that Poilão Island hosts the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting population in the East Atlantic, among the largest globally, , there remains limited understanding of female size trends within this population. This study addresses this gap, aiming to evaluate the reproductive size of nesting green turtles at Poilão Island over the past two decades. We assessed the curved carapace length (CCL) of 1,535 nesting turtles, finding CCLs ranging from a minimum of 81.0 cm to a maximum of 118.0 cm, with a mean of 102 cm ± 5.70 cm. Clutch sizes were recorded for 989 turtles, ranging from 80 to 199 eggs, with a mean of 128 ± 24.2 eggs; notably, larger females consistently produced larger clutches. Over the 1994–2022 period, no statistically significant change in average size at maturity was observed among the nesting turtles. These findings contribute important baseline data, facilitating future conservation and management efforts within this globally significant green turtle population.
Keywords: Chelonia mydas, João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park, reproductive size, marine turtle conservation

Understanding ecological parameters and population trends is crucial for species of conservation concern. For marine turtles, annual nest counts are commonly used to estimate population size. However, reliable population estimates also require complementary information on reproductive parameters, such as clutch size, internesting intervals, clutch frequency, and remigration intervals. In Brazil, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) predominantly nest on oceanic islands. This study uses long-term beach monitoring data (1988-2022; 35 years) collected by TAMAR (the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme) to describe the reproductive biology and population trends of green turtles in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago. A significant increase in the annual number of green turtle nests over the study period was found. The average annual number of nests in the first five years of monitoring (1988-1992) was 39, compared to 286 nests in the last five years (2018-2022). This represents a 7.39-fold increase, from a total of 193 nests to 1428 nests. Internesting intervals ranged from 9 to 17 days (mean +- SD = 11.7 ± 1.3 days; median = 12, n = 1236). Remigration intervals of 3 years were the most frequent (range 2 to 16 years). The longest reproductive life span observed was 25 years. Average hatching success was 75.6% (SD = 24.8, range = 0-100, n = 2612 nests). The growth in the annual number of green turtle nests observed in Fernando de Noronha suggests that conservation efforts initiated by TAMAR in the 1980s have likely contributed to the recovery of this population. Despite this positive trend, the population remains a conservation concern due to its small size and restricted nesting distribution. The findings underscore the importance of continued and enhanced conservation efforts to ensure the long-term viability of green turtle populations in the region. Our study highlights the critical role of long-term monitoring in understanding population dynamics and informing conservation strategies. By maintaining and expanding these efforts, we can better support the recovery and sustainability of green turtle populations in Brazil and beyond.

To conserve and protect organisms that are at risk or in danger of extinction, it is crucial to conduct genetic studies that provide insights into their genetic variability and evolutionary dynamics. These studies enhance our understanding of genetics and inform the development of conservation policies and management strategies. Analyzing the mitochondrial DNA of sea turtles is vital for creating effective conservation strategies and implementing protection policies. This analysis also aids in managing their ecosystems and populations whether as a whole or in isolation allowing us to strategically plan for the conservation of these species and their habitats for future generations. This study aims to analyze the genetic diversity of marine turtle species by mitogenomes available in GenBank. All accessible mitogenomes for seven marine turtle species were downloaded in FASTA format and organized into an Excel database. A total of 96 sequences were aligned using BioEdit and saved in FASTA format. The DnaSP software was employed to evaluate polymorphisms, determine the number of haplotypes, and assess haplotypic and nucleotide diversity. The optimal model was established using IQ-TREE software based on Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and base-binding parameters and frequencies were calculated. Lastly, FigTree software was used for editing and visualizing the phylogenetic trees. Out of 96 mitochondrial DNA sequences analyzed, seven were from Chelonia mydas, ten from Lepidochelys kempii, four from Eretmochelys imbricata, 67 from Caretta caretta, four from Lepidochelys olivacea, and two each from Dermochelys coriacea and Natator depressus. The alignment was 16, 050 base pairs in length. The IQ-TREE software identified the evolutionary model as GTR+F+G4. It also revealed base substitution rates and frequencies, with A-G and C-T substitutions being the most frequent. Notably, C-T had the highest substitution rate. Nucleotide frequency analysis showed that adenine was the most common base while guanine was the least common, potentially influencing mutation rates and evolutionary patterns. We identified a total of 3,667 parsimony-informative sites and 11,242 conserved sites. A total of 41 haplotypes were identified among the various species: 18 for Caretta caretta, 7 for Chelonia mydas, 8 for Lepidochelys kempii, 3 for both Eretmochelys imbricata, and Lepidochelys olivacea, 1 for Dermochelys coriacea, and 2 for Natator depressus. The haplotype ratio for these species stands at 0.42, based on the analysis of 41 haplotypes and 96 mitogenome sequences. The phylogram differentiated between species, showing distinct clades for each family, Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae. As anticipated, D. coriacea stands out as the most distantly related species to the root node. Its short branches clearly indicate that it has not accumulated as many mutations as other species. With bootstrap values of 100, the application of maximum likelihood unequivocally provides strong statistical support for the illustrated phylogenetic relationships. This analysis demonstrates that mitogenome research yields multiple markers, serving as powerful tools for comparison across genera and species. In conclusion, a comprehensive examination of all available genes is an essential method for accurately assessing the genetic diversity of these species.

Kenya’s coastline, a global biodiversity hotspot, provides critical habitat for sea turtles. To address knowledge gaps and inform effective conservation strategies within the Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve (DCMNR), a long-term photo-identification study was initiated in 2018.

Over a 5.5-year period (July 2018-December 2023), 3,706 in-water sea turtle encounters were recorded during scuba diving surveys, primarily involving green turtles (Chelonia mydas, n=3,095) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata, n=611). Photo-identification efforts led to the identification of 648 unique green turtles and 81 unique hawksbills. At their initial sighting, SCL was estimated for most of the observed turtles, with the majority of the green turtles classified as juveniles (n=582), followed by subadults (n=38) and adults (n=16). In contrast, most hawksbill turtles were subadults (n=65), followed by juveniles (n=19) and adults (n=1). During the study period, 377 green turtles (61.7%) and 50 hawksbills (61.7%) were re-sighted within the DCMNR. The maximum number of resightings for an individual green turtle was 86, and for a hawksbill turtle, it was 83. The longest resighting interval was 1957 days for both species.

Using open capture-recapture models, we estimated population size, recruitment rates, and departure rates for both species. Additionally, we identified preferred foraging habitats and assessed site fidelity and residency durations. Key sea turtle hotspots within the DCMNR include Galu, Kisima Mungu, Milele, and Mwanamochi dive sites. Galu emerged as the most significant site, with 115 green turtles and 14 hawksbills identified (CPUE = 5.3 sightings per hour). Kisima Mungu followed with 89 green turtles and 13 hawksbills (CPUE = 2.3 sightings per hour). Milele recorded 85 green turtles and 7 hawksbills (CPUE = 3.9 per hour), while Mwanamochi had 93 green turtles and 9 hawksbills (CPUE = 4.0 per hour).

Our results indicate that the DCMNR harbors a stable and significant green turtle population along Kenya's southern coast. We have identified key sea turtle hotspots within the reserve that would benefit from increased protection and management measures. By mapping these areas, we've created a valuable tool to inform future management decisions for the DCMNR. This comprehensive approach, utilizing photo-identification techniques, demonstrates the potential for broader-scale applications along the Kenyan coast to understand connectivity and habitat use among sea turtle populations.

The ShellBank project is a global initiative aimed at enhancing marine turtle conservation through the development of an extensive, open-access genetic database. Available to researchers, NGOs, governments, students and more worldwide, this platform facilitates collaborative research and conservation efforts. By cataloguing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes from diverse marine turtle populations, the ShellBank database serves as an essential tool for defining population structure and tracing the geographic origins of turtles encountered in conservation (e.g. foraging ground studies and fisheries by-catch) and enforcement scenarios (Illegal wildlife trade). The database supports efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and informs conservation strategies by providing easy access to comprehensive, up-to-date reference data necessary for more advanced analysis such as mixed stock analysis.

ShellBank’s capabilities extend beyond genetic data storage. Users can search metadata from all published marine turtle studies with data in the database, including location, authors, country, regional management units (RMUs), stock information and more. The platform allows users to upload their data and download queried data, facilitating further research and analysis. ShellBank also standardizes haplotype data for marine turtles enabling direct comparison across studies. Haplotype data can be searched using haplotype names or sequence-based queries to find matching sequences within the database. Additionally, reporting tools provide data visualization and summaries on maps and in haplotype frequency tables based on user queries.

We present the latest advancements in the ShellBank database, emphasising its expanded geographic and species coverage containing more than 15.000 data entries. We also demonstrate its use and applications through examples including tracing the origins of hawksbill turtles in illegal tortoiseshell trade seizures and collaborative efforts to fill critical data gaps. These applications underscore the importance of strengthening regional baselines for improved accuracy.

This poster aims to engage the international sea turtle research community by showcasing the value of ShellBank in addressing key conservation challenges, fostering global partnerships, and shaping future strategies for identifying and bridging data gaps in marine turtle conservation.

Monitoring sea turtle populations over time requires identification of unique individuals. For this purpose, metal flipper tags have been traditionally used to mark turtles on nesting beaches and foraging areas. Capture-mark-recapture models (CMR) can assess population numbers, site fidelity, and growth rates. Individuals that lose all external identification pose a problem for population assessments through CMR, since previously tagged turtles become indistinguishable from the rest of the individuals, often leading to population overestimation. Internal passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are small, encapsulated microchips applied subcutaneously that have no reported effect on the behavior and biology of tagged turtles and can remain lodged under the turtle´s skin permanently. PIT tags offer a solution to the tag-loss problem, allowing continued identification despite the loss of external tags; however, PIT tags are also susceptible to detection failure or expulsion from the body. At Tortuguero, Costa Rica - home to the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting colony in the Atlantic – flipper tagging with Inconel Tags has been conducted by the Sea Turtle Conservancy since 1995, with PIT tagging introduced only in 2019. This study aims to quantify the tag loss rate for green turtles nesting at Tortuguero. We assessed 35 years of CMR data from turtles tagged at Tortuguero, looking at tag retention for metal tags. We also investigated the role of PIT tags over the past five years in reducing neophyte overestimation and identification errors and examined detection issues based on placement, as well as multiple PIT tagging cases. These findings enhance the understanding of PIT tag reliability and retention in comparison with flipper tags, offering critical insights for optimizing long-term monitoring and conservation strategies.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a globally distributed species, yet its populations are classified as vulnerable, with a clear trend of demographic decline. The North Pacific population is notably small and exhibits low genetic diversity. This preliminary study focuses on the genetic diversity of C. caretta, or loggerhead turtles, in Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico. The research aimed to refine the genetic stock definition of loggerhead turtles in the Mexican Pacific and to estimate their genetic diversity. This region represents the most critical feeding ground for the North Pacific population and has the highest documented bycatch mortality rates. Despite its significance, it remains the least studied in terms of genetic research, making this investigation essential for future conservation efforts. To better define the genetic pool of Mexican Pacific loggerhead turtles, we analyzed the mitochondrial control region (CR) using previously reported sequences along with new ones from this study. Samples yielded fragments of 350 bp from nine individuals and 808 bp from six individuals. Analysis of the 350 bp fragments revealed two previously reported haplotypes (B and C) shared between Japan and Baja California Sur (BCS), along with one potential new haplotype. In the 808 bp fragments, six unique haplotypes exclusive to BCS were identified. The 350-bp fragments exhibited lower haplotype diversity compared to what was reported in 1995 in BCS. In contrast, the 808-bp fragment demonstrated higher haplotype diversity due to significant sequence variability among the six new haplotypes identified, which included 25 segregating sites. Increasing the sample size is likely to result in more redundant haplotypes in the 808-bp fragments and enhance the overall haplotype diversity in the 350-bp fragments.

Angola supports the southernmost nesting beaches for leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) in the eastern Atlantic. Nesting occurs during the rainy season, between September and April, with peak nesting in December and January. Despite conservation efforts, there is still some anthropogenic pressure on this population. In this study we provide an update on the trend and status of leatherback nesting along the Angolan coast. Kitabanga Project carried out surveys (aerial and terrestrial) along the entire coast of Angola between 2010 and 2015, and systematic daily beach monitoring during the nesting season between 2003 and 2023 at different latitudes. The southernmost nesting location was determined to be the Bentiaba region (14.1754S), although leatherbacks were reported (but not confirmed) to be present in the vicinity of Baía das Pipas (14.9179S) further south. Aerial surveys indicated that the regions of Onzo (9.2253S), Palmeirinhas (9.0857S), between Cabo Ledo (10.7086S) and Cabo das Três Pontas (11.3994S), Cabeça da Baleia (12.6142S) and Egipto Praia (12.9728S) had the largest numbers of nesting females. Between 2003 – 2023, the Palmeirinhas region had the highest density of leatherbacks nests in Angola, with 2.3 nests per km. The weighted average of densities found at all localities sampled in Angola in this period was 1.3 nests per km. Based on the average number of nests recorded at the different sampling sites of the Kitabanga project and the distribution of nesting along the coast, an average of c.850 females nested annually on the coast of Angola during 2010–2023, with a minimum of 426 females (assuming females lay three nests per season) and a maximum of 1,277 nesting females. However, in this period a decrease in the overall number of nests was observed which is primarily attributed to accidental captures in fishing gear.

The Río Oro National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, encompasses the Río Oro and Pejeperro beaches, with a lenght of 2.5 and 3.5 kilometers respectively. This is a crucial nesting area for four of the seven existing species of sea turtles.

Over the last four years, an average of 4,658 nests per season have been recorded for the olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) and 213 nests for the pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas), with sporadic nesting of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). These figures show the significance of this area as one of the most important beaches for intensive and solitary nesting on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

The aim of this study is to compare nesting trends by reviewing literature and existing data from the 1990s to the present. Databases from three nesting seasons since monitoring began in 1993, have been analysed, adapted and compared to current monitoring methods with the seasons between 2020 and 2024.

The results indicate an increase in the nesting activity for the Pacific green and olive ridley species, with an increase of 163.07% in the average number of nests per season on both beaches. This increase could be explained, among other reasons, by a decrease in predation and poaching rates due to the progressive implementation of nest protection measures and their consequent positive impact on hatchling success and emergence. Additionally, increased monitoring efforts have allowed better recording and tracking of nesting female populations in recent years.

This has been made possible thanks to the efforts of numerous organizations, who together with the local community have managed to conserve and preserve these species and their habitats over the years.

The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is rarely observed in Cuba, so any new specimen reported contributes to expanding knowledge about its presence and distribution on the Cuban shelf, and also in the Caribbean Sea region. This paper provides information on seven new records in different areas of Cuba in the last three years obtained from different sources that provided different data on these species taken in the possible cases, such as: curved length, method, date and distance from the coast and condition of the animal (alive or dead). Three specimens were reported as caugth: two from bycatch in coastal waters of Las Tunas and Holguín in the northeastern region (one of them tagged from Panama) and the other from poaching on the northwest coast of Havana, confirmed by the remains found. Another three specimens, tracked by satellite from Puerto Rico, were reported to Cuba transiting the southern seas of the Cuban shelf. On the other hand, a nest of this species was recently found on a beach in the Maisí-Caleta protected area in the easternmost region of Cuba, reported by the National Company for the Protection of Flora and Fauna Flora, which constitutes an even rarer occurrence on the beaches of the Cuban archipelago.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of sea turtle nesting in the Besar Islands Cluster, Johor Marine Park, Malaysia, over a decade of conservation efforts (2015–2024). The research focuses on two species of sea turtles: Green (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). The monitoring area spans 85 km², covering 10 beaches across six islands. Data were collected annually from March, following the end of the monsoon season, through October, prior to the onset of the next monsoon. Across the 10 nesting seasons, a total of 429 nests were recorded, including 117 Green Turtle nests and 312 Hawksbill Turtle nests. Both in-situ and ex-situ (relocated nests) data were gathered to document nest counts, hatching success rates, and incidents of predation and poaching. Spatial clustering of nests was identified using GIS-based spatial distribution analysis, which revealed areas with consistently high nesting activity, particularly on Tengah and Mensirip Islands. Temporal analysis also highlighted distinct seasonal peaks in nesting, predominantly from May to August, coinciding with the inter-monsoon period in the southeast of Peninsular Malaysia. Hatching success fluctuated over the study period, ranging from 64% in 2015 to a peak of 94% in 2020 and 91% in 2023. These improvements were attributed to enhanced hatchery management practices, including minimizing egg handling, timely relocation, ensuring proper nest spacing, protecting nests from predators, regulating nest temperatures, conducting daily inspections, and maintaining detailed records. Moreover, community outreach and volunteer training initiatives played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering greater participation in conservation efforts. Despite these successes, challenges such as nest predation and poaching continue to threaten the population, varying across different islands. This underscores the need for continued protective measures and improved management strategies. Based on the findings, future recommendations include activating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through zoning, implementing the OECM (Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures) approach for MPA access in collaboration with local communities, and appointing and training Sea Turtle Wardens from the local population. Additionally, establishing a "Sea Turtle Management and Hatchery Workshop" is recommended to strengthen community engagement and improve conservation practices.

Keywords: Sea Turtle, nesting trends, conservation, Johor Marine Park, Malaysia

Marine turtles often migrate long distances across the oceans, sometimes foraging hundreds of kilometres away from the natal rookery. This high mobility makes it challenging to determine their origins, which is crucial for conservation efforts. Characterizing the composition of stocks at sea in terms of contributions from known populations is fundamental for planning protection measures. Mixed stock analysis (MSA) based mainly on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region haplotype variation has been used for decades for this purpose. The green turtle, Chelonia mydas, lives in tropical and subtropical waters of the world and is globally classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Green turtles in the Atlantic have lower genetic diversity compared to those in the Indo-Pacific. Major nesting sites are found in the western and Central Atlantic, while the eastern Atlantic hosts a prolific rookery in Poilão (Guinea Bissau) and smaller ones in Sao Tome, Principe and Bioko islands. However, little is known about turtles foraging and moving across the Gulf of Guinea. This study aims at improving the characterization of turtles at sea in this region using a large dataset. Additionally, since mixed stock analysis is hampered by shared haplotypes and more informative markers are desirable, we assessed the potential of whole mtDNA genome sequences to better resolve the genetic diversity of C. mydas in the southeastern Atlantic.

Between 1998 and 2015, tissue biopsies were collected from captured, bycaught and stranded green turtles in the Gulf of Guinea: 640 in the Corisco Bay foraging ground (Equatorial Guinea/Gabon) and 64 in West African countries (Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia). We sequenced a 488 bp fragment of the mtDNA control region and selected a subset of six individuals carrying control region haplotype CMA8 for whole mtDNA sequencing, looking for mitogenomic variants that could further differentiate this common haplotype. We then performed foraging ground-centric mixed-stock analysis for individuals from Corisco Bay and West African captures using available rookeries baseline data. We found 20 control region haplotypes and three new mitogenomic haplotypes were described in the subgroup of six CMA8 samples. The rookeries that contributed most to the Corisco foraging aggregate were Ascension Island (35%, c.i. 18 – 57%), Sao Tomé (34%, c.i. 7 – 60%) and Guinea Bissau (10 %, c.i. 0 – 32%). We also found Indo-Pacific haplotypes indicating a small but noticeable contribution from rookeries in the Southwest Indian Ocean. The rookeries that contributed most to the West African bycatch were Bioko (46%, c.i. 0 – 90%), Ascension Island (28%, 0 – 88%) and Principe Island (7%, 0 – 23%).

Overall, our results suggest that green turtle mixed stocks in the Gulf of Guinea originate from both local and distant Atlantic and Indo Pacific rookeries. We advocate that more powerful genetic markers such as complete mitogenomes can provide high resolution in describing genetic lineages and population connectivity to help conservation efforts.