Publication Abstract

Patterns of marine turtle mortality in British waters (1992-1996) with refernce to tissue contaminant levels

B.J. Godley, M.J. Gaywood, R.J. Law, C.J. McCarthy, C. McKenzie, I.A.P. Patterson, R.S. Penrose, R.J. Reid and H.M. Ross

Mortality patterns of marine turtles entangled in fishing gear, found dead at sea or stranded dead on and around the coast of Britain in the period 1992-1996 are described. Of a total of 38 dead turtles identified, 35 were leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and three were loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). All D.coriacea individuals were thought to be adults or sub-adults nearing sexual maturity. Six individuals were as sessed as likely females, 10 were classified as males and 19 were not sexed. D. coriacea ranged from 120 to 210cm in curved carapace length (mean= 152cm). The three C.caretta were juveniles, and ranged from 15 to 30 cm curved carapace length. Possible origins, causes of mortality and interactions with fisheries are discussed. In addition, contaminant levels were determined in the tissues of three D.coriacea. Concentrations of all contaminants determined were found to be low. Recommendations for priority future research initiatives are given.

Reference:

B.J. Godley, M.J. Gaywood, R.J. Law, C.J. McCarthy, C. McKenzie, I.A.P. Patterson, R.S. Penrose, R.J. Reid and H.M. Ross, 1998. Patterns of marine turtle mortality in British waters (1992-1996) with refernce to tissue contaminant levels. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 78: 973-984