Mortality of sea turtles Caretta caretta in coastal waters of Georgia

Abstract

Mortality of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta on the beach at Cumberland Island, Georgia, increased from approximately 20 turtles in 1974 to 187 turtles in 1979. Mortality is greatest in the subadult and old juvenile segment of the population, suggesting that future recruitment into the breeding population may be reduced.