Marine Conservation Area Research Articles

Ensemble Mapping and Change Analysis of the Seafloor Sediment Distribution in the Sylt Outer Reef, German North Sea from 2016 to 2018

Recent studies on seafloor mapping have presented different modelling methods for the automatic classification of seafloor sediments. However, most of these studies have applied these models to seafloor data with appropriate numbers of ground-truth samples and without consideration of the imbalances in the ground-truth datasets. In this study, we aim to address these issues by conducting class-specific predictions using ensemble modelling to map seafloor sediment distributions with minimal ground-truth data combined with hydroacoustic datasets. The resulting class-specific maps were then assembled into a sediment classification map, in which the most probable class was assigned to the appropriate location. Our approach was able to predict sediment classes without bias to the class with more ground-truth data and produced reliable seafloor sediment distributions maps that can be used for seafloor monitoring. The methods presented can also be used for other underwater exploration studies with minimal ground-truth data. Sediment shifts of a heterogenous seafloor in the Sylt Outer Reef, German North Sea were also assessed to understand the sediment dynamics in the marine conservation area during two different short timescales: 2016–2018 (17 months) and 2018–2019 (4 months). The analyses of the sediment shifts showed that the western area of the Sylt Outer Reef experienced sediment fluctuations but the morphology of the bedform features was relatively stable. The results provided information on the seafloor dynamics, which can assist in the management of the marine conservation area.

Supporting Spatial Management of Data-Poor, Small-Scale Fisheries With a Bayesian Approach

Marine conservation areas are an important tool for the sustainable management of multispecies, small-scale fisheries. Effective spatial management requires a proper understanding of the spatial distribution of target species and the identification of its environmental drivers. Small-scale fisheries, however, often face scarcity and low-quality of data. In these situations, approaches for the prioritization of conservation areas need to deal with scattered, biased, and short-term information and ideally should quantify data- and model-specific uncertainties for a better understanding of the risks related to management interventions. We used a Bayesian hierarchical species distribution modeling approach on annual landing data of the heavily exploited, small-scale, and data-poor fishery of Chwaka Bay (Zanzibar) in the Western Indian Ocean to understand the distribution of the key target species and identify potential areas for conservation. Few commonalities were found in the set of important habitat and environmental drivers among species, but temperature, depth, and seagrass cover affected the spatial distribution of three of the six analyzed species. A comparison of our results with information from ecological studies suggests that our approach predicts the distribution of the analyzed species reasonably well. Furthermore, the two main common areas of high relative abundance identified in our study have been previously suggested by the local fisher as important areas for spatial conservation. By using short-term, catch per unit of effort data in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, we quantify the associated uncertainties while accounting for spatial dependencies. More importantly, the use of accessible and interpretable tools, such as the here created spatial maps, can frame a better understanding of spatio-temporal management for local fishers. Our approach, thus, supports the operability of spatial management in small-scale fisheries suffering from a general lack of long-term fisheries information and fisheries independent data.

Investment Dilemma of Coastal and Marine Zoning in Conservation Areas: Case Study of Karimunjawa National Park

Zoning is widely applied to control spatial use in marine conservation areas. However, experience from terrestrial planning showing an investment dilemma. This study aims to determine whether this dilemma also occurs in marine conservation areas. This research conducted a case study in Karimunjawa Marine National Park. Data were analyzed and presented descriptively. The results show that the conservation area faces an investment dilemma, mainly to accommodate the tourism development plan. This dilemma raises spatial compatibility issues, management space boundaries, and equitable benefits distribution that the planners must carefully handle.

Water quality of Sempu Strait to support the ecosystem resilience

Sempu Island is one of the marine conservation areas, which has an important function in the conservation stage, namely preservation, preservation itself means the preservation of biodiversity and protected areas in biotic and abiotic life support systems. Many problems arise on Sempu Island as a protected area due to lack of access, which triggers a conflict of interest in the management of the area between policy makers and the community. Water quality is an important parameter for assessing water conditions and productivity associated with other biotic parameters, such as plankton and zooxanthellae. The method used in this research is quantitative method with direct in-situ data collection using water quality parameters measuring instrument AAQ Rinko 1183. Data collection was carried out at 15 station points in the Sempu Strait. The results obtained show that the average temperature in the Sempu Strait waters is 26.27 °C, turbidity is 0.40 ftu, salinity levels are 34.57 ppt, pH levels are 8.6, DO levels are 6.656074 mg / L, and chlorophyll content of 1.17 mg / m 3. This research is the result of preliminary research from the advanced research stage, which discusses the resilience of the Sempu Island aquatic ecosystem.

Participatory GIS mapping highlights indirect use and existence values of coastal resources and marine conservation areas

Consideration of social and cultural dimensions in coastal and marine planning has increased and ecosystem services provide important framing to investigate values and priorities associated with these systems. Research efforts in coastal communities offer insights on social dimensions of ocean and coastal management decisions, but questions remain about how demographics and geographic residence affect perceptions of marine resources and management. We conducted and analyzed a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) mapping survey of Oregon residents to capture uses and perceived values of coastal and marine areas. We measured coastal values, explored regional differences in those values, and identified a suite of coastal and marine ecosystem services that Oregonians prioritize from the recently established marine reserve network. Examining respondent demographics, conservation values, and coastal geographic features, we discovered values varied by region in Oregon, with regions demonstrating distinct value orientations. Regional differences in value orientation highlight the importance of incorporating multiple interpretations of value into coastal resource communication strategies, and the consequence of coastal proximity on attitudes and values about coastal resources. Incorporating use (indirect and direct) and non-use (existence) values into a Total Economic Value framework revealed that participants prioritized indirect use (scenic, recreation) over direct use and existence values coastwide. Spatial variation of participant’s use and value locations demonstrates the utility of participatory mapping in marine spatial planning efforts, both in documenting spatially explicit non-market values of coastal areas and identifying potential areas of conflict among coastal stakeholder groups. Within Oregon’s marine reserve network, which was not delineated in the mapping exercise, value preferences diverged from coastwide averages, wherein existence values (biodiversity/wildlife, wilderness, etc.) were elevated above other categories.

Linking Habitat and Associated Abiotic Conditions to Predict Fish Hotspots Distribution Areas within La Paz Bay: Evaluating Marine Conservation Areas

Hotspots are priority marine or terrestrial areas with high biodiversity where delineation is essential for conservation, but equally important is their linkage to the environmental policies of the overall region. In this study, fish diversity presences were linked to abiotic conditions and different habitat types to reveal multi-species and hotspots models predicted by ecological niche modelling methods within the Bay of La Paz, Mexico (south of Gulf of California). The abiotically suitable areas for 217 fish species were identified based on historical (1975–2020) presence data sets and a set of environmental layers related to distances from mangroves and rocky shores habitats, marine substrate, and bottom geomorphology conditions. Hotspot model distribution was delineated from a multi-species model identifying areas with ≥60 species per hectare and was compared to the marine conservation areas such Balandra Protected Natural Area (BPNA), illustrating how these models can be applied to improve the local regulatory framework. The results indicate that (1) there is a need for the BPNA to be enlarged to capture more of the delineated hotspot areas, and thus an update to the management plan will be required, (2) new conservation areas either adjacent or outside of the established BPNA should be established, or (3) Ramsar sites or other priority areas should be subject to legal recognition and a management plan decreed so that these vital habitats and fish diversity can be better protected.

Using western science and Inuit knowledge to model ship-source noise exposure for cetaceans (marine mammals) in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound), Nunavut, Canada

Tallurutiup Imanga (TI) is a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) established in 2019 at the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage in Lancaster Sound, Nunavut, Canada, to protect 110,000 square kilometres of core habitat for cetaceans. This study examines the potential impacts of underwater noise from increased ship traffic in TI NMCA on three cetaceans: narwhal, beluga whale, and bowhead whale. Automatic Identification System data from 2015 to 2018 were used to spatially analyse ship traffic in the area. Sound propagation loss was modelled using vessel positions along major routes and then used to model vessel acoustic noise outputs. Areas populated by narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales were identified using western science and Inuit knowledge and then overlapped with the vessel noise outputs. Results indicate that an increasing number of ships are transiting important habitat areas for cetaceans and that this has resulted in some areas where the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association 120 dB behavioural threshold for marine mammals has been exceeded. This suggests that in some areas of TI NMCA ship noise may negatively impact marine mammal hearing and behaviour, with the highest potential exposures in Eclipse Sound and Milne Inlet.

Coral Reef Coverage and Reef Fish Abundance in Menyawakan Island, Karimunjawa

Karimunjawa is one of the National Parks in Indonesia, a marine conservation area known for its diverse coral reefs, and mangrove forest. This study aims to determine coral reef status in Menyawakan Island at the northwest part of Karimunjawa Archipelago. Coral coverage as well as reef fish data were collected from the South, West, North, and East side of Menyawakan Island. Surveys were conducted at a depth of 5 and 10 meters, using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) for coral coverage and visual census for reef fish abundance. The highest coral cover, categorized as good condition, was found in the North side of Menyawakan Island at a depth of 5 m (64.94%). Pomacentrus shows the greatest abundance with 291 individuals on the South side of Menyawakan Island. Overall coral cover in Menyawakan Island is categorized as medium to good condition, while the highest reef fish abundance is dominated with family of Pomacentridae, which are native habitat in coral reef area.

Resistance and counter hegemony of Ma'ya tribe to bureaucratic hegemony practices in Raja Ampat, West Papua

The establishment of a regional marine conservation area in Raja Ampat is a hegemonic practice carried out by the Raja Ampat bureaucracy with conservation NGOs, such as TNC and CI which has reaped various responses. There are people who accept the presence of conservation areas and those who do not. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the resistance and counter-hegemony responses of the Ma'ya tribe in the conservation area to the practice of bureaucratic hegemony in Raja Ampat, West Papua. The research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method. Data collection by observation, in-depth interviews, FGD and documentation, and the results of the research are presented in a descriptive narrative. The results of the study show that the resistance of the Ma'ya tribe in Raja Ampat to bureaucratic hegemony in the conservation area is through blocking and taking over the monitoring post of the conservation area; prosecution of customary land rights, and reluctance to involve themselves in conservation activities. Counter-hegemony practices are carried out through the formation of customary fishing areas and the struggle for the establishment of regional regulations regarding the rights of indigenous Ma'ya tribes.

Sustainability Level of Aquaculture Utilization and Its Management Strategy In Conservation Areas Regional Water (KKPD) Biak Numfor District, Papua

One of the uses that can be pursued in marine conservation areas (KKPD) is aquaculture. This is because aquaculture is one of the leading sectors and is the basis of Indonesian marine and fisheries production. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of sustainability of aquaculture utilization in the Biak Numfor District Marine Conservation Area (KKPD). The data analysis method uses the approach of sustainability analysis carried out by the MDS method (Multi Dimensional Scaling) with the help of Rapfish software. Rapfish (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries). The results showed that the analysis of Rapfish for the direction of the utilization of aquaculture obtained an ordination value of 44.80% or classified as less sustainable. Analysis results leverage for the direction of the utilization of aquaculture, it is found that there are 3 (three) attributes which are the most important indicators of sustainability from various other attributes, namely; cultivation technology (RMS = 8.81), number of business units (RMS = 7.00%), fish species and species (RMS = 6.85). The status of unsustainable aquaculture development in the KKPD is still ecologically profitable, However, economically, the contribution of the aquaculture sector has not been felt by the community.

MONITORING CHANGES IN CORAL REEF HABITAT COVER ON BERALAS PASIR ISLAND USING SPOT 4 AND SPOT 7 IMAGERY FROM 2011 AND 2018

Beralas Pasir is part of the Regional Marine Conservation Area (KKLD), which was established by the Bintan Regency Government with Bintan Regent Decree No. 261 / VIII / 2007. Water tourism activities undertaken by tourists on the island have had an impact on the condition of the coral reefs, as have other factors, such as bauxite, granite and land sand mining activities around the island. This research aims to determine changes in the coral reef habitat cover and the condition of the coral reefs around Beralas Pasir Island with a remote sensing function, using SPOT 4 imagery acquired on June 1, 2011 and SPOT 7 imagery from April 5, 2020. Data collection of environmental parameters related to the coral reefs was also made. The image processing used the Lyzenga algorithm to simplify the image classification process. The percentage of coral live cover around the island ranges from 26% -53%; this has experienced a significant change, from 67,560 hectares in 2011 to 38,338 hectares in 2018, a total decrease in the area of 29,222 hectares. Some of the natural factors found in the research which have caused damage to the reefs were Drupella snails, the abundance of Caulerpa racemosaalgae, and sea urchins. The majority of the coral reef types consist of Non-Acropora: Coral Massive, Coral, Coral Foliose, Coral Encrusting, Acropora: Acropora Tabulate, Acropora Encrusting, and Acropora Digitate

Nearshore Species Biodiversity of a Marine Protected Area Off Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, located ∼35 km off the Southern California coast, is home to the Blue Cavern Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA). Although the conservation area is recognized as both an area of special biological significance and a marine life refuge, species richness of the nearshore taxa from this location is not known. In this study, we provide a comprehensive inventory of the intertidal and subtidal marine macroalgae, plants, invertebrates, and fishes documented from 5 different reef sites inside Blue Cavern Onshore SMCA. Species richness data were compiled using scuba-based visual surveys conducted in the field, references from the primary and gray literature, research collections maintained by scholarly institutions, and field monitoring programs. The total number of marine taxa documented in this study (765 species from 17 major phylogenetic groups) represents 63% of the estimated species richness in Blue Cavern Onshore SMCA and is indicative of the high biodiversity known from this region. Specifically, the intertidal and subtidal biota reported here represent 34% and 18% of the marine taxa known from Catalina Island and the Southern California Bight, respectively. Incidences of the introduction of exotic and invasive organisms (n = 18), changes in the geographic distributions of species (n = 14), as well as marine taxa listed as species of concern, endangered, or critically endangered (n = 4), were also identified in the current inventory. Research findings presented here offer an important baseline of species richness in the California Channel Islands and will help to improve efforts by resource managers and policy makers to conserve and manage similar habitats in the coastal waters off Southern California.

Seaweed farming collapse and fast changing socio-ecosystems exacerbated by tourism and natural hazards in Indonesia: A view from space and from the households of Nusa Lembongan island.

The culture of seaweed for the food and cosmetics industry is central to many rural households in Indonesia. The activity has vastly expanded in the past three decades, but in some cases, an opposite trend is now emerging. Spaceborne images were used to monitor the recent collapse of seaweed farming around the small island of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. A simple semi-quantitative Seaweed Farming Index highlighted the different dynamics for four different sectors around the island, with abrupt or gradual changes starting in 2012. By 2017, seaweed farming had eventually vanished from the island, after sustaining local livelihoods for more than 30 years and influencing the zoning plan of the local Marine Conservation Area since 2010. Interviews of 50 ex-farmers in 2018 identified the reasons of the changes: failed crop, low selling prices, shrinking space to dry algae against coastal development, and easy alternative jobs in tourism, although not necessarily providing better salary incomes. Tourism attracted half of these farmers, while another 25% went into building construction, itself largely driven by tourism development. The vulnerability of a complete shift to tourism was highlighted when tourism temporarily collapsed for several months due to threat of a Bali volcano eruption in late 2017. This prompted ex-farmers to consider returning to farming. This integrated case study based on remote sensing and household surveys highlights the fast-changing dynamics of Indonesia coastal socio-ecosystem due to largely to tourism development and natural hazards. The consequences for local management are discussed.

Post-nesting movements and feeding ground distribution by the hawksbill turtle (

Context Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are conservation-dependent species in many areas of the world. A key component to ensuring successful conservation initiatives for the species is understanding their distribution and habitat use, in particular, knowing the nesting sites, migration routes and foraging areas for each genetic stock, and how these might overlap with threats. Aims Investigate the post-nesting movements of hawksbill sea turtles nesting in the Torres Strait, including migration movements and foraging ground size and distribution. Methods Nine nesting hawksbill turtles of the north-eastern Australian genetic stock were satellite-tagged between the 2010 and 2019 nesting seasons for 182 ± 143 days (mean ± s.d.). Key results Three turtles continued to nest on adjacent islands before commencing their post-nesting migrations. From the nine tracked turtles, the following three migration movement strategies were identified: (1) direct migration between the nesting beach and foraging ground, (2) non-direct movements with a period of meandering, and (3) establishment of two foraging areas separated by direct movement pathways. Foraging grounds were distributed across the Torres Strait and north-eastern Australia and varied in size between 0.54 km2 and 3.31 km2 (95% UD). None of the turtles migrated outside of Australian waters. Conclusions The localisation of these movements and habitats within Australian waters provides a unique conservation opportunity, whereby protection efforts involve multiple life stages and potentially preserve turtles from multiple genetic stocks. The variety of inter-nesting, migration and home range strategies used by the tracked turtles in the present study highlight the broad scope of hawksbill movements. Implications Our findings are useful for the implementation of future marine conservation areas and shed light into the nesting, migratory and foraging behaviours of hawkbills from this genetic stock. An understanding of the movement tracks and habitats used by a genetic pool is essential for well grounded implementation of conservation areas and management regulations.

The Strategy of Sindangkerta Marine Tourism Objects Development, in Tasikmalaya, West Java

This research was held in Sindangkerta Village and Sindangkerta Marine Wildlife Reserve, Sindangkerta Village, Cipatujah District, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province. The implementation started in October 2019 until June 2020. The research aims to analyze the social and economic aspects of Sindangkerta Marine Tourism Object for the local neighborhood and to analyze the development strategy of the Sindangkerta marine conservation area. The research employed case study method in Sindangkerta Marine Wildlife Reserve by collecting primary and secondary data. Furthermore, the collected data processed with puposive sampling method via Microsoft Office Excel with SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. The research resulted the villagers hasn’t been implemented the current system, according to the entire villagers they hope that the Sindangkerta Marine Wildlife Reserve Area potential can be further developed in order to provide more benefits for them. The best strategy for Sindangkerta Marine Wildlife Reserve development using SWOT Analysis in Quadrant I, by applying SO or an aggressive growth strategy with a coordinate point of 0.02; 1.10 means utilizing the strength to exploit the existed opportunities.

Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Production of Indonesia: Recent Status of GDP Growth

Indonesia is among wellknown countries which produce high quality fish and fisheries product in the world. This country has 108.000 km of coastline with 17.504 islands. It is estimated that fish resources in Indonesia cover 37% of the world's fish species, whereas coral reef reaches 10% of the total world's coral reefs. This paper reviews about the performance of fisheries growth in Indonesia including: fisheries production, captured fisheries, aquaculture production and marine conservation area. All data was collected from the Ministery of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Indonesia Central Bureau of Statistic, and several related literatures. The result showed about the recent growth of fisheries and aquaculture production, the latest volume of conservation area, Fisheries Gross Domestic Product, Fishermen Exchange Rate and Cultivator Exchange Rate in 2019.

Kajian Biomorphic Architecture dalam Perancangan Oceanarium Pekanbaru

<p><em>Pekanbaru is a city that is growing rapidly and becomes one of the cities that is frequently visited. But the tourist attraction by the city of Pekanbaru are still lacking. Besides that in the geographical triangle, the water region in Riau Province is bigger than the land area, so the water region in Riau Province has a very high potential. But education about marine life and conservation areas that support biota protection in Riau province is still very least. Therefore, we need a public facility that is equipped with recreational, educational, and conservational needs. To actualize these public facilities, then will be designed an Oceanarium in Pekanbaru City. Oceanarium is a reservoir in a giant aquarium for the conservation of plants and marine biota that serves as a means of education, research, preservation, marine development, and exhibited as a means of recreation. The theme of the Oceanarium in Pekanbaru is Biomorphic Architecture. Biomorphic Architecture is part of architectural design that proposes all ideas taken from organic life, by form, system, or movement. Through the concept of Ocean Life Dynamics, the characteristics of building functions can be made as recreational facilities, conservation, and education about life under the sea.</em><strong><em></em></strong></p>

Biodiversity and social aspects of the Sawo-Lahewa Marine Protected Area, North Nias: a social-ecological mapping

Sawo-Lahewa sea waters, North Nias District, North Sumatra Province was determined to become one of the marine conservation areas on December 22, 2017 through the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Republic of Indonesia Number 54/Kepmen-KP/2017. This stipulation aims to protect, preserve, and utilize the potential of fisheries and important habitats (coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass) and important species (turtles, dolphins, manta rays, napoleons, lola, dugongs, whale sharks, sea bamboo Isis puridis, Black Coral Anthipatharia, etc.) to support tourism development. This paper aims to map the condition of biodiversity and social aspects in the Sawo-Lahewa Marine Conservation Area by using the social-ecological framework. Using the data on ecological and social conditions were collected during 2014-2015 and updated with 2019-2020 data. The mapping of ecological aspects have involved the condition of coastal-marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, reef fish abundance, reef megabentos abundance, mangroves, and seagrasses) and also oceanographic conditions, meanwhile, the mapping of social aspects including socio-demography and socio-economics aspects. To enrich the analysis, this paper is was also equipped with a discussion of zoning arrangements. Important findings from this study that the sustainability of biodiversity is influenced by the sustainability of local social activities; vice versa.

STRATEGI PENINGKATAN EFEKTIVITAS PENGELOLAAN KAWASAN KONSERVASI TAMAN NASIONAL KARIMUNJAWA

Taman Nasional Karimunjawa (TNKJ) masuk dalam rencana aksi nasional pengelolaan kawasan konservasi tahun 2018-2025. Tujuan penelitian adalah mengkaji efektivitas pengelolaan kawasan konservasi TNKJ, sehingga diperoleh rekomendasi strategis yang efektif untuk peningkatan efektivitas pengelolaan kawasan konservasi TNKJ. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Agustus-Desember 2019. Metode penilaian yang digunakan adalah score card untuk pedoman Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) dan pedoman Evaluasi Efektivitas Pengelolaan untuk Kawasan Konservasi Laut di Indonesia (COREMAP II - LIPI) serta metode penilaian system blocking untuk pedoman Teknis Evaluasi Efektivitas Pengelolaan Kawasan Konservasi Perairan, Pesisir dan Pulau-Pulau Kecil (E-KKP3K). Analisis prioritas strategi peningkatan efektivitas pengelolaan kawasan konservasi TNKJ dilakukan menggunakan metode jejaring analitik (Analytic Network process, ANP). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penilaian pengelolaan kawasan konservasi TNKJ dikatakan sangat efektif menurut pedoman METT, efektif menurut pedoman COREMAP II - LIPI dan berstatus hijau menurut pedoman E-KKP3K. Permasalahan prioritas pengelolaan TNKJ adalah implementasi sistem zonasi, sedangkan solusi prioritas untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pengelolaan TNKJ adalah penyadaran masyarakat dan wisatawan terhadap bahaya sampah dan kerusakan lingkungan.

High fidelity of sea turtles to their foraging grounds revealed by satellite tracking and capture-mark-recapture: New insights for the establishment of key marine conservation areas

Movement ecology studies are essential to protect highly mobile threatened species such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), classified as an endangered species by the IUCN. In 2019, the South Atlantic subpopulation has been downlisted to ‘Least Concern’, but the maintenance of this status strongly relies on the pursuit of research and conservation, especially on immatures, which contribute to the demographic renewal of this subpopulation. Identifying marine areas used by immatures is therefore crucial to implement efficient measures for the conservation of sea turtles in the Caribbean. We analysed data of capture-mark-recapture of 107 (out of 299) immatures recaptured at least once in Martinique, and satellite tracked 24 immatures to investigate their site fidelity and habitat use. Our results revealed a strong fidelity to foraging grounds, with mean residence times higher than 2 years, and with a high degree of affinity for specific areas within the coastal marine vegetation strip. Home ranges (95% kernel contour) and core areas (50% kernel contour) varied from 0.17 to 235.13 km2 (mean ± SD = 30.73 ± 54.34 km2) and from 0.03 to 22.66 km2 (mean ± SD = 2.95 ± 5.06 km2), respectively. Our findings shed light on a critical developmental area for immature green turtles in the French West Indies, and should help to refine Regional Management Units and reinforce the cooperative network aiming at ensuring conservation of the species at international scale.