About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Each night from mid March until June, our team patrols the beaches in southern Florida. When the team encounters a nesting leatherback turtle, we tag and measure her and document any physical damage or wounds from nets, boats, fisheries interactions and the occasional shark. We can also use tracking studies and genetic analysis to answer more detailed questions. By uniquely identifying each individual, we can begin to unravel some of the mysteries of this important nesting population.

We are expecting a very busy leatherback nesting season in 2014. In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of turtles nesting on Florida's beaches. It is our goal to receive funding and complete a successful season.

What is the significance of this project?

The first step toward protecting an endangered species is to understand it, the threats it faces, and the resources it needs to survive. While populations of leatherback turtles in the Atlantic seem to be growing, the Pacific populations have declined by more than 90% in the last two decades. It is crucial to understand these turtles to stop this rapid loss.

Our research team collaborates with scientists from institutions such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, WIDECAST, the Canadian Sea Turtle Network, and many Universities. Collaborations and partnerships like these are key to truly understanding the global population of leatherback turtles.

What are the goals of the project?

The proposed survey area covers approximately 30% of the major nesting habitat in Florida. Funding for ATVs is critical. The survey area has the potential to get as many as 10-15 leatherbacks a night. The ability to move about the beach quickly and quietly is essential.

Our goal is to be able to understand what has caused the rapid increase in this nesting population while leatherback numbers in the Pacific Ocean continue to decline dramatically. We need to act now to prevent the complete collapse of this population. Contrary to Pacific trends, the number of leatherbacks nesting in the Atlantic seems to be increasing. If we can understand the reasons behind this increase, we can apply these lessons to the quickly disappearing Pacific population.