Informing research priorities for immature sea turtles through expert elicitation

Natalie Wildermann ,Jean Baker Miller ,Jesús Tòmàs ,Larisa Avens ,Matthew Ware ,J M Blumenthal ,Victoria González Carman ,Mark Read ,Gabriela M Vélez-Rubio ,Joanne Mcneill ,Takashi Ishihara ,Camila Domit ,Sheryan P Epperly ,Nicolas Pilcher ,Jessica L Williams ,Christopher R Sasso ,Mark Hamann ,Amanda Southwood Williard ,Ian Bell ,Paolo Casale ,Erin E Seney ,Jeffrey A Seminoff ,Alan B Bolten ,Tasha L Metz ,Christian Gredzens ,Jeanette Wyneken ,Kristen M Hart ,Brendan J Godley ,Matthew H Godfrey ,Kate Mansfield ,Héctor Barrios-Garrido ,Maikon Di Domênico ,Mariana M P B Fuentes

doi:10.3354/esr00916

Abstract

Although sea turtles have received substantial focus worldwide, research on the immature life stages is still relatively limited. The latter is of particular importance, given that a large proportion of sea turtle populations comprises immature individuals. We set out to identify knowledge gaps and identify the main barriers hindering research in this field. We analyzed the perceptions of sea turtle experts through an online survey which gathered their opinions on the current state of affairs on immature sea turtle research, including species and regions in need of further study, priority research questions, and barriers that have interfered with the advancement of research. Our gap analysis indicates that studies on immature leatherback Dermochelys coriacea and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata turtles are lacking, as are studies on all species based in the Indian, South Pacific, and South Atlantic Oceans. Experts also perceived that studies in population ecology, namely on survivorship and demography, and habitat use/behavior, are needed to advance the state of knowledge on immature sea turtles. Our survey findings indicate the need for more interdisciplinary research, collaborative efforts (e.g. data-sharing, joint field activities), and improved communication among researchers, funding bodies, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

Highlights

Over the past 3 decades, research interest in sea turtle biology and conservation has increased (Hamann et al 2010, Rees et al 2016)
This study provides an indication of the current state of affairs, based on expert opinion, on the needs and priorities for future research on immature sea turtles
Major knowledge gaps remain for leatherback and hawksbill turtles, and for all species in the Indian, South Pacific, and South Atlantic Oceans

Summary

Introduction

Over the past 3 decades, research interest in sea turtle biology and conservation has increased (Hamann et al 2010, Rees et al 2016). It is important to identify these gaps to inform future research priorities and effective conservation actions for those species in need, focusing on regional subpopulations and management units (Wallace et al 2010b). Several efforts have focused on identifying these gaps and future priorities, but most of the recommendations either have a broad-scale focus on all life stages, or are specific to research techniques (e.g. satellite tracking; Godley et al 2008, Hart & Hyrenbach 2009, Hazen et al 2012, Shillinger et al 2012, Jeffers & Godley 2016), or threats (e.g. fisheries, climate change, plastic pollution; Lewison et al 2004, Hawkes et al 2009, Wallace et al 2010a, Casale et al 2016, Nelms et al 2016a). Given that there is no clear temporal or geographical boundary to delimit when and where a hatchling transitions to developmental and/or foraging habitats, we excluded from our study research on hatchlings during their terrestrial phase, as well as in situ and ex situ research on hatchlings and post-hatchlings during the first few weeks of life

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Conclusion