Current transport of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the ocean

• Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Vol. 270; no. Suppl 2; pp. S129 - S132
• Main Authors: Luschi, P., Sale, A., Mencacci, R., Hughes, G. R., Lutjeharms, J. R. E., Papi, F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Royal Society 07.11.2003
• Subjects: Animal Migration - physiology; Animal migration behavior; Animals; Artificial satellites; Buoys; Current Drift; Dermochelys coriacea; Geography; Indian Ocean; Legs; Marine; Migration; Movement - physiology; Ocean currents; Oceanographic Features; Oceanography; Oceans; Remote Sensing; Satellite Communications; Sea Currents; Sea turtles; Sea water; Seas; Turtles; Turtles - physiology; Water Movements; Indian Ocean; Indian Ocean, South; ISW, South Indian Ocean
• ISSN: 0962-8452; 1471-2954
• DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2003.0036

While the long-distance movements of pelagic vertebrates are becoming known thanks to satellite telemetry, the factors determining their courses have hardly been investigated. We have analysed the effects of oceanographic factors on the post-nesting movements of three satellite-tracked leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) moving in the southwest Indian Ocean. By superimposing the turtle tracks on contemporaneous images of sea-surface temperatures and sea height anomalies, we show that currentrelated features dominate the shape of the reconstructed routes. After an initial offshore movement, turtles moved along straight routes when in the core of the current, or executed loops within eddies. Large parts of the routes were strikingly similar to those of surface drifters tracked in the same region. These findings document that long-lasting oceanic movements of marine turtles may be shaped by oceanic currents.