Abstract

Where are the Adults? First Results of a Study on C. Mydas Foraging in New Caledonia

Highlights

  • Chelonia mydas are an endangered species (IUCN, 2010) found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world [1]

  • No significant difference in the size Curved Carapace Length (CCL) was found between the individuals caught during nesting season when compared to the ones caught outside nesting season but adults were captured during the same period for traditional use

  • Of the individuals caught inside nesting season or outside nesting season were not significantly different (2-way Anova, F= 6.44, P>0.1) but a very significant difference was observed between areas ( 2-way Anova, F= 14.89, P=0)

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Summary

Introduction

Chelonia mydas (green turtles) are an endangered species (IUCN, 2010) found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world [1]. The number of large individuals of C. mydas have declined significantly in many countries of the Pacific Ocean due to overharvesting [2] This species has a very complex life cycle: C. mydas are known to nest on sandy beaches and hatchlings disperse to pelagic waters for a period that varies between 5-6 years [3]. They recruit to neritic waters, usually at a size ~ 40 cm curved carapace length (CCL) and become resident to their foraging area [2]. When they reach sexual maturity, aged between 25 and 50 years old depending on food availability [5], they start to migrate (once every 2 to 5 years) back to the beach where they were born in order to reproduce [6]

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