Migratory corridors and foraging hotspots: critical habitats identified for Mediterranean green turtles. Issue 6 (12th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stokes, K. L.; Broderick, A. C.; Canbolat, A. F.; Candan, O.; Fuller, W. J.; Glen, F.; Levy, Y.; Rees, A. F.; Rilov, G.; Snape, R. T.; Stott, I.; Tchernov, D.; Godley, B. J.; Richardson, David
• Is Part Of: Diversity & distributions. Volume 21:Issue 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 665
• Page End: 674
• Publication Date: 2015-02-12
• Subjects: Biodiversity -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-9516

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ddi12317-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ddi12317-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>Levels of sea turtle bycatch in the Mediterranean are thought to be unsustainable. We provide a comprehensive overview of adult green turtle (<italic>Chelonia mydas</italic>) distribution during nesting, migration and foraging phases, highlighting transitory as well as residential areas of high use to facilitate adequate protection for this long‐lived, migratory species.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12317-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Location</title> <p>Mediterranean Sea.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12317-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Thirty‐four females were satellite tracked from breeding grounds in the four countries with major nesting (Cyprus, Turkey, Israel and Syria) for a total of 8521 (mean: 251) tracking days in a collaborative effort to summarize the most comprehensive set of distribution data thus far assembled for this species in the Mediterranean.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12317-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Ten foraging grounds are identified, with two major hotspots in Libya accounting for >50% of turtles tracked to conclusive endpoints. The coastlines of Egypt and Libya contain high densities of migrating turtles following the nesting season, particularly July–September, and likely also pre‐nesting (April–June). A high‐use seasonal pelagic corridor running south‐west from Turkey and Cyprus to Egypt is also evident, used by >50% of all tracked turtles.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12317-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Main conclusions</title> <p>Bycatch levels and mortality rates for the key foraging areas and high‐density seasonal pathways identified here are largely unknown and should be investigated as a priority. We recommend that the Gulf of Sirte in Libya be explored as a potential biodiversity hotspot and considered for proposal as a marine protected area (MPA). Green turtle fidelity to nesting beaches, foraging areas and migratory pathways renders them vulnerable to localized threats but enables targeted mitigation measures and protection.</p> </sec> </abstract>