Abstract
While widely applied in fisheries science, acoustic telemetry remains an underutilized method in the field of marine turtle biotelemetry. However, with the ability to provide fine-scale spatial data (tens to hundreds of meters, depending on array setup and receiver range) at a low cost, acoustic telemetry presents an important tool for obtaining key information on marine turtle ecology. We present a comprehensive and systematic review acknowledging how acoustic telemetry has been used to advance the field of marine turtle ecology and conservation. We identify the extent of current studies and discuss common and novel research approaches while addressing specific limitations of acoustic telemetry. Forty-eight studies were reviewed, representing six of the seven marine turtle species and all life stages, with most individuals identified as juveniles (45%) and hatchlings (36%). Most studies (83%) focused on the spatial distribution of marine turtles, including estimating home ranges, investigating drivers of habitat use, and identifying horizontal movement patterns and vertical space use. Additionally, acoustic telemetry has been used to study hatchling dispersal and marine turtle exposure and response to threats, as well as to monitor physiological parameters. We identified that acoustic telemetry directly or indirectly informs 60% of the top questions and research priorities related to marine turtles identified by experts in the field. With an increase in acoustic telemetry receiver networks and collaborations across taxa, the applicability of acoustic telemetry is growing, not only for marine turtles but for a wide array of marine species. Although there are limitations that need to be considered at a site/project-level, acoustic telemetry is an important, low-cost technology able to address key questions related to marine turtle ecology that can aid in their conservation, and therefore should be considered by researchers as they develop their projects.
Highlights
Marine turtles are charismatic species that have garnered support due to their listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (Campbell and Smith, 2006; IUCN, 2021)
While acoustic telemetry has been utilized by a relatively small number of marine turtle studies, the technology has provided a wealth of information regarding marine turtle ecology, regarding spatial distribution and movement within study sites
We detail the contribution of acoustic telemetry to our knowledge of marine turtle ecology and explore both commonly used approaches as well as those less routinely used
Summary
Marine turtles are charismatic species that have garnered support due to their listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (Campbell and Smith, 2006; IUCN, 2021). To promote the recovery of declining populations as well as the continued success of growing populations, integrated conservation and management strategies that protect both individuals and key habitats are needed (IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group, 1995; National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, 2008). In an effort to determine the strategies that will be most beneficial for aiding in this recovery, experts have identified key questions, research priorities, and knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Priority topics range from demographics to nesting strategies to health parameters. Understanding how individuals utilize space throughout time is imperative for identifying key areas to protect, as well as for assessing whether current and proposed protective measures are well placed to conserve species (Cooke, 2008; Gredzens et al, 2014; Lea et al, 2016; Santos et al, 2021)
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