Determining critical inter-nesting, migratory, and foraging habitats for the conservation of East Atlantic green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

摘要: Satellite telemetry was used to track inter-nesting, post-nesting, and foraging movements of six green turtles that nested on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea at the end 2019 nesting season, as well five after 2018 season (n = 11 across two seasons), from same population. These tracks were fit with a switching state-space model characterize then analyzed in relation environmental anthropogenic factors. Inter-nesting included separate oceanic loops, which traveled > 40 km away beaches. Four complete migrations observed distinct grounds, migrating west for an average 1064 km coastal waters Ghana, south 1563 km newly discovered ground Angola. All intermittent stopover sites, including one period possible foraging. Turtles both grounds maintained core use areas shallow, near-shore (< 20 km coast) waters. Spatial depth data reveal critical habitats this population throughout behaviors. Tracks spanned nine countries, highlighting need multi-national cooperation development marine conservation management plans area. The long distances covered by these suggests fisheries bycatch direct harvest East Atlantic may impact Additionally, spatial dive can inform zonal fishing regulations provide information needed modify practices gear ways likely reduce sea turtle bycatch.