First Spatial Distribution Analysis of Male Sea Turtles in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

In the Gulf of Mexico, the bulk of published studies for sea turtles have focused on northern (United States) waters where economic resources are centered, with fewer studies in the southern portion of the basin, resulting in significant knowledge gaps in these underrepresented areas. Similarly, publications on adult sea turtles are dominated by research on females that come ashore to nest and can be readily studied (e.g., through the collection of biological samples and the application of satellite-telemetry devices), whereas information on adult male sea turtles is scarce. The goal of this paper is to begin filling these knowledge gaps by synthesizing available data on adult male sea turtles in the southern Gulf of Mexico. We used satellite-telemetry, boat- and drone-based surveys, and stranding records combined with ocean circulation modeling to better understand the spatial distribution of male loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles in the southern Gulf of Mexico. These spatially explicit analyses will provide context for opportunistically collected data on male sea turtles and better contribute to the management and restoration of sea turtle populations that use the Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, this synthesis can serve as a launching point for directed studies on male sea turtles in this region.

Diverse migratory strategies for a hawksbill sea turtle population

“…A key qualifying note for these conclusions is that focusing on integrating data for males will be necessary moving forward (e.g. Cuevas et al, 2020). Relatively short post‐nesting migrations to foraging habitats are the most prevalent strategy overall, including those that do not cross maritime boundaries.…”

“…A key qualifying note for these conclusions is that focusing on integrating data for males will be necessary moving forward (e.g. Cuevas et al, 2020).…”

Marine turtle hotspots in the Gulf of Mexico and Mesoamerican Reef: Strengthening management and preparedness

“…However, we also detected new multispecies and multi-life stage hotspots that expand our understanding of the spatial ecology of marine turtles in the GoM and WC. This new contribution highlights the need for prioritizing the identification of information gaps for specific rookeries and life stages, such as males and immature individuals during their 'lost years' (Cuevas et al, 2020;Mansfield et al, 2021), as well as the study of local scale movement ecology associated with the habitats they occupy.…”

“…These individuals included 5 adult male hawksbills, 167 breeding females (14 loggerheads, 64 greens, 65 hawksbills, and 24 Kemp's ridleys), and 6 immature individuals (3 loggerheads and 2 greens). The males were captured in-water, and a few were tagged after rehabilitation (Cuevas et al, 2020). The females were mostly randomly selected and captured from their nesting beaches after laying eggs (Uribe-Martıńez et al, 2021); only 2 were captured in-water (using a free-weight net).…”

Marine turtles, umbrella species undergoing recovery

“…As we implement robust, synchronized monitoring strategies for the different populations' vital signs and the performance of management actions (Halpern et al, 2008;Love et al, 2017) for marine turtles and other species, we will gain more robust empirical understanding of how the umbrella species effect operates. Meanwhile, significant baseline knowledge regarding the spatiotemporal distribution of marine turtles has been established, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, over the past 15 years (e.g., Cuevas et al, 2008;Girardt et al, 2009;Shaver et al, 2013;Cuevas et al, 2020;Gradzens and Shaver, 2020;Hart et al, 2020;Iverson et al, 2020;Evans et al, 2021;Cuevas et al, 2022).…”