Marine Biology News - New Insight into Loggerhead Turtle Migration
Chef Edwin Hammond Meredith resides in the Florida Keys. An avid diver, surfer, and paddle boarder, Edwin Hammond Meredith also maintains a keen interest in ocean life and marine biology.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, recently learned more about the migration habits of North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles, and they may have good news for this endangered species. A lack of knowledge about the species presented challenges in developing a conservation plan in years past. Scientists knew that the turtles were born in Japan, migrate to the Pacific, and then return to Japan some time later. Since they did not know how much time the turtles spend in one place, it was difficult to know where to concentrate conservation efforts.
To combat this gap in information, researchers set out to analyze turtle bones found on Mexican beaches. Biologists were able to look at the rings inside turtle bones, not unlike rings on a tree. These rings provided information about how long the turtles spent in different parts of the Pacific.
Researchers learned that the loggerhead sea turtles spend more than 20 years off the Baja coast, making it a key site for conservation efforts. Now that researchers know where these turtles spend most of their time, they can take steps to preserve habitat in the Baja region.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, recently learned more about the migration habits of North Pacific loggerhead sea turtles, and they may have good news for this endangered species. A lack of knowledge about the species presented challenges in developing a conservation plan in years past. Scientists knew that the turtles were born in Japan, migrate to the Pacific, and then return to Japan some time later. Since they did not know how much time the turtles spend in one place, it was difficult to know where to concentrate conservation efforts.
To combat this gap in information, researchers set out to analyze turtle bones found on Mexican beaches. Biologists were able to look at the rings inside turtle bones, not unlike rings on a tree. These rings provided information about how long the turtles spent in different parts of the Pacific.
Researchers learned that the loggerhead sea turtles spend more than 20 years off the Baja coast, making it a key site for conservation efforts. Now that researchers know where these turtles spend most of their time, they can take steps to preserve habitat in the Baja region.
