Immense Pacific coral reef survey shows green sea turtle populations increasing
To more fully understand the density of the populations of these two turtle species, as well as the environmental and anthropogenic factors that have driven them, the authors combined data from 13 years of in-water visual surveys of turtle abundance near 53 islands, atolls, and reefs throughout the U.S. Pacific. During a survey, a slow-moving boat tows a pair of divers at about 15 meters below the surface, where they record details of habitat and sea life as it comes into view. In all, the surveys covered more than 7,300 linear kilometers and observed more than 3,400 turtles of the two species.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: after Gopher Tortoise Day in the southeast, gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) still need protection
Ecology
(GRAPHIC) Cayman Islands: juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) found dead due to entanglement, DOE issues fishing line warning (VIDEO)
Health & Medical
UK: free turtle and tortoise health check to be held at Wilko’s in The Rock
Miscellany
USA: Ashley Kula wins Turtle Derby logo design contest for University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital
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Photo from Thierry Caro/Wikipedia.
