February 13, 2012

Scientists Begin to Pinpoint Foraging Grounds

Researchers with Mote Marine Laboratory, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the University of Florida have shed some light on where loggerheads are going when they leave the beach after nesting. Turtles were tracked from Casey Key, the Dry Tortugas, and Cape San Blas with satellite tags. Despite leaving from different beaches, the turtles ended up in similar areas off the coast of Southwest Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula.

This new information gives scientists a better idea of the areas, other than beaches, that are important to loggerhead turtles. Knowing this, can aid decision makers when it comes to protecting essential areas from fishing and oil drilling. More on this exciting research can be found here- http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120206/ARTICLE/120209667?p=2&tc=pg