Marine Turtle Newsletter

Number 55 October 1991

Editors: Editorial Board:

Karen L. Eckert & Scott A. Eckert Nat B. Frazer National Marine Fisheries Service Nicholas Mrosovsky Southwest Fisheries Science Center David W. Owens Post Office Box 271 Peter C. H. Pritchard La Jolla, California 92038-0271 USA James I. Richardson

TWELFTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY

Mark your calenders!

The Twelfth Annual Symposium (formerly the annual "Workshop") on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation is scheduled for the last week in February 1992. Registration will begin on the evening of 25 February and Symposium sessions will be scheduled on 26, 27 and 28 February. Accommodations will be available for groups to meet on 24-25 February prior to the opening of the Symposium, and special events and working group meetings can be scheduled on 29 February. The location will be Villas By The Sea, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the same as last year. Room rates for 1992 will be the same as 1991 and you can make your reservations at any time by calling the Villas (in Georgia 1-800-342-6872, elsewhere in USA 1-800-841-6262, outside USA 912-635-2521). We will meet airline travelers at Brunswick (Georgia) and Jacksonville (Florida).

International participants: We strongly suggest that you arrive Sunday, 23 February, and depart Sunday, 1 March, to participate in international working group meetings of great value to the Symposium. If you are m need of financial assistance for international travel and have not yet requested it, do so immediately. Our funds are very limited. Also, each international participant must provide us with a FAX number by which we can correspond with you during January and February when so many plans are changing day to day.

Last year the Eleventh Annual Workshop brought together some 500 registered participants from 17 countries. The event was a great success, featuring a wide variety of oral and poster presentations on sea turtle research and conservation efforts around the world. The 1992 meeting promises to be the best one yet! Hope to see you all next February! [N.B. The 1990 Proceedings are available from Jim Richardson at the address below; the 1991 Proceedings will be available shortly. Further details in the January issue of the Marine Turtle Newsletter.]

JAMES I. RICHARDSON, 1992 Sea Turtle Symposium Coordinator, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 USA. Tel: 404-548-9046 (home), 404-542-6036 (office); FAX 404-542-6040; Telex 414190.

POST-HATCHLING LOGGERHEAD TURTLES EAT INSECTS IN SARGASSUM COMMUNITY

On 22 August 1981 at 1900 h, the R/V Cape Florida stopped to make a hydrographic station at the west wall of the Gulf Stream (29°55'N, 30°00'W), 93 km east of St. Augustine, Florida. Water depth was 100 m. A convergence along the front, extending over the horizon in both directions, had concentrated rafts of Sarsgasssum weed into patches 5-50 m2 in size. More than half of the patches contained one to three or more post-hatchling stage loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). As the vessel drifted through about 30 such patches, we observed at least 20 small loggerheads. The turtles were resting quietly on the floating Sargassum with their heads near the surface of the water. When approached by the vessel, they dived beneath the Sargassum and swam vigorously. Because we were able to examine only a small area (< 5000 2 111 of the frontal convergence), we cannot speculate on the extent of this population of young turtles. However, along the Gulf Stream front between Florida and the Carolines there is the equivalent of several km2 of this Sargassum habitat.

Two dead turtles (45 and 47 mm carapace length) were collected floating in the Sargassum. Both had bites around the neck and eyes, probably from the orange file fish (Aluterus schopfi), but there was no obvious cause of death. Their guts contained four categories of material (Table 1). Macroalgae and marine invertebrates associated with the Gulf Stream and the Sargassum rafts accounted for roughly half of the items. A third major category consisted of terrestrial insects and the fourth of indigestible items, including string fibers, a feather, and tar balls. The predominate size of ingested food items (1-5 mm) indicates a preference and lower limit for prey size selection by neonate loggerheads. A yolk about 10 mm diameter was present in both animals.

There has been speculation about what food is available to post-hatchling turtles in the open ocean (Carr 1967; Frick 1976) and the ability of the turtle to reach food after it leaves its natal beach (Kraemer and Bennett 1981). Both turtles reported here contained a substantial reserve of yolk while actively feeding in the open ocean. The presence of insects in the gut suggests a source of food not previously considered. Insects are regularly collected in the air at heights up to 5,000 m, and insects like those ingested by the turtles have been caught in flight far out to sea, carried there passively by moving air masses such as high pressure systems (Johnson 1969).

Sargassum rafts, while providing camouflage and refuge, contain potential food in greater abundance than does the surrounding water. The affinity of post-hatchling turtles for convergence lines, both here and elsewhere (Carr and Meylan 1980; Carr 1987), may indicate a requirement by these animals to capitalize on food sources in addition to what is produced by the Sargassum community (Carr 1986). Aerial insect plankton, settling on the ocean's surface, would accumulate in convergencies and supplement the food in the Sargassum. Furthermore, the planktonic community beneath the Sargassum in the region of the Gulf Stream front is substantially more productive than that of either the core of the Gulf Stream or the water of the outer continental shelf. This higher planktonic productivity results from intrusions of nitrate- rich North Atlantic Central water from the west wall of the Gulf Stream up to within 50 m or less of the surface along the edge of the continental shelf (Atkinson 1977; Yoder et al. 1981). August is usually a period of prevailing southerly winds which enhance the upward and westward movement of the nutrient-rich water from the west wall of the Gulf Stream by creating an Ekman effect. August is also a period of more consistently enhanced planktonic productivity on the outer continental shelf of northern Florida (Atkinson et al. 1978). These conditions increase the amount and diversity of food available to turtles floating in the Sargassum.

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Table 1. Identifiable items removed from the gut of two post-hatchling loggerhead sea turtles collected 93 km east of St. Augustine, Florida. Particle sizes were measured to the nearest 0.5 mm. S = found in stomach; 1 = found in intestine; P = "present". Size refers to particle size and/or body length of prey; number in parentheses indicates sample. ------Common Name Classification S1 I1 S2 I2 Size ------

TERRESTRIAL INSECTS

1. ant species #1 Formicidae 1 ------4mm (winged sexual) 2. ant species #2 Formicidae -- 1 -- -- 3.5mm (winged sexual) 3. fly head capsule Diptera 1 ------1mm 4. aphid sp.#1 Aphidoidea 2 ------2min, lmm. (winged sexual) 5. leafhopper sp.#1 Cicadellidae -- 2 -- -- 5mm, 4.5mm 6. leafhopper sp.#2 Cicadellidae -- 1 -- -- 4mm 7. planthopper sp.#1 Fulgoroidea -- -- 1 -- 4mm 8. planthopper Fulgoroidea 1 ------(leg fragment)

9. beetle sp. # 1 Coleoptera -- 2 -- -- 4mm, 5mm 10. beetle sp. #2 Coleoptera ------2mm 11. insect thorax -- 2 1 -- -- lmm, 2mm, 3mm fragments

MARINE FAUNA

12. hydrozoan colonies Hydrozoa P -- P -- -- (branch fragments) 13. goose barnacles Lepadomorpha 2 ------3mm, 2mm 14. acorn barnacles Balanomorpha -- -- 2 -- 1mm, 1.5mm 15. amphipods Amphipoda 5 ------1mm(2), 2mm(2), 1.5mm 16. crab zoea Decapoda 1 ------1mm 17. shrimp eye Decapoda 1 ------0.5mrn per eye capsules (pair) ------capsule 18. fish eggs Osteichthyes 4 ------1mm(3), 1.5mrn (planktonic) 19. muscle tissue ------1 1 -- fragments 20. chitinous element -- 1 1 -- -- 8 x 1mm, 10 x 1mm (squid pen?) 21. chitinous exoskeleton ------1 5 x 4mm fragment

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 – 3

------Common Name Classification S 1 11 S2 12 Size ------

MARINE FLORA 22. sargassum leaf Sargassum sp. 12 14 1 4 2 x 6mm, 1mm(6), Fragments 3 x 3mm(5), etc. 23. sargassum bladders Sargassum sp. -- 2 -- 2 2mm(2), 4 x 2.5mm, 2 x 1.5mm 24. algal fragments -- 3 14 1 -- 2-5mm(15), 6mm, 10mm, 12mm INDIGESTIBLE MATERIALS 25. tar balls 3 1 3 4 5 x 3mm, 1-2mmx (soluble in chloroform) 1-2mm(10) 26. feather -- 1 -- -- 17mm 27. grey accretions -- 2 -- -- 1mm, 2mm (insoluble in chloroform) 28. string fibers in bundle -- 1 -- -- 12mm

1 Turtle No. 1 2 Turtle No. 2 ______The presence of tar balls in the gut of both dead loggerheads is a reason for concern, although there was no compaction from tar balls in the intestine, and the fragments removed were coated in a mucus sheath. Tar balls have become ubiquitous in the ocean surface and are concentrated in convergence lines. The similarity of the smaller tar fragments to the pigmented retinas of the ingested amphipods and decapods and to the insects suggests that tar balls of this size may be mistaken for prey.

Atkinson, L. P. 1977. Modes of Gulf Stream intrusion into the South Atlantic Bight waters. Geophys. Res. Lett. 4:583.

Atkinson, L. P., G. A. Paffenhöfer, W. M. Dunstan. 1978. The chemical and biological effect of a Gulf Stream intrusion off St. Augustine, Florida. Bull. Mar. Sci. 28:667.

Carr, A. 1967. The Sea Turtle: So Excellent a Fishe. Univ. Texas Press, Austin.

Carr, A. 1986. Rips, FADS, and little loggerheads. BioScience 36(2):92-100.

Carr, A. 1987. New perspectives on the pelagic stage of sea turtle development. Cons. Biol. 1(2) :103-121.

Carr, A. and A. B. Meylan. 1980. Evidence of passive migration of green turtle hatchlings in Sargassum. Copeia 1980:366-368.

Frick, J. 1976. Orientation and behaviour of hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the sea. Anim. Behav. 24:849-857.

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Kraemer, J. E. and S. H. Bennett. 1981. Utilization of post-hatching yolk in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta. Copeia 1981:406-411.

Johnson, C. G. 1969. Migration and Dispersal of Insects by Flight. Methuen Publ., London.

Yoder, J. A., L. P. Atkinson, J. O. Blanton, D. R. Deibel, D. W. Menzel, G. A. Paffenhöfer. 1981. Plankton productivity and the distribution of fishes on the southeastern U. S. continental shelf. Science 214:352.

JAMES 1. RICHARDSON, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 USA and PHIL McGILLIVARY, NOAA, NOS Ocean Applications Group, Monterey, California 93942-5005 USA.

JAPAN ANNOUNCES END TO SEA TURTLE TRADE

Japan has announced its intention to drop its reservation on the olive ridley turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea (CITES Appendix 1). As a preliminary measure to end any further trade before the reservation is officially dropped later this year, all importation of olive ridley turtle skins became subject to an import quota on 30 April 1991, and the current quota was set at zero, effectively ending all further trade.

Japan has also announced its commitment to end all trade in the shell of hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelvs imbricata (CITES Appendix I) on 31 December 1992 and will drop its reservation on the species in July 1994 [see MTN 54:1-3]. In the interim period between 1 August 1991 and 31 December 1992, Japanese dealers are allowed to import up to 7.5 tonnes of tortoiseshell (or "bekko"), subject to the condition that all transactions are direct from the country of origin and carry a legally-issued export permit from the relevant competent authority in that country; the authenticity of all such documentation will be independently checked with the issuing authorities by Japan's CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), before being accepted for importation. Once the 7.5 tonne limit is reached or the year 1992 ends, Japan will impose a zero import quota, which will remain in effect until the reservation is dropped.

The period between January 1993 and July 1994, when no importation will be allowed but the reservation will remain in effect, is reportedly necessary for three reasons: to allow domestic dealers time to dispose of their existing stocks; to allow MITI to pursue their commitment to research and develop appropriate substitutes; and to allow the Japanese Government to conduct surveys of hawksbill turtle resources in order to dispel assertions within the industry that the current decision is not scientifically warranted.

In conjunction with this effort, Japan or other CITES Parties are likely to submit downlisting proposals for specific hawksbill turtle populations at the ninth meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES. If any such proposals are accepted, Japan will drop the reservation and only resume trade within the established CITES framework. Alternatively, if all such proposals are rejected by the Parties, the Japanese Government will still drop the reservation, having provided a scientific airing on the status of the species for the benefit of the local industry.

Japan's continuing trade in sea turtles prompted the US Government to threaten sanctions against Japan under the Pelly Amendment to the Fisherman's Protective Act of 1967, which

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 5 allows the USA to embargo wildlife products from any country found to be "directly or indirectly engaging in trade which diminishes the effectiveness of international programs for endangered or threatened species". The certification of Japan for its continuing sea turtle trade marks the first time that the Pelly Amendment has been used for a CITES trade issue. Source: excerpted from TRAFFIC International TRAFFIC Bulletin, 1991, 12(1/2):24.

POST-HATCHLING TURTLES OFF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA Fifteen islands of the Wellesley Group (16.5°S, 139.5°E) in the Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Australia, were visited briefly in May 1991. Carapaces or skeletal remnants of six juvenile flatback sea turtles were found at white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) feeding stations or nests on four islands as follows: Locust Rock (estimated curved carapace lengths [CCL] of 16.5, 18.5, 20.3 cm), Sweers Island (12.2 cm CCL), Douglas Island (17.4 cm CCL), and an unnamed vegetated sandbank north of Forsyth Island (16.2 cm CCL). These observations indicate that hatchlings and juveniles remain in coastal seas off northern Australia, as they appear to do in the Great Barrier Reef province (Walker 1991) where similar-sized juvenile flatbacks (14-24 cm straight carapace length) have also been found among prey remains at sea eagle island feeding stations (Walker and Parmenter 1990).

The carcass of an uneaten juvenile hawksbill (21 cm CCL) was also beached-washed at Douglas Island. Records of post-hatchling hawksbill turtles are rare, although a few have been caught in fishing nets off northern Australia (Limpus et al. 1991). Juvenile flatback turtles are often caught in these nets, but juvenile green turtles are almost never encountered despite the presence of large nesting colonies at Pisonia and Bountiful Islands in the Wellesley Group (Bustard 1972). The green turtle nesting population in northern Australia is much larger than that of the hawksbill, but there are only two records of post-hatchling green turtles compared with 10 such records for hawksbills (Limpus et al. 1991).

On the basis of these small samples, it is tempting to speculate that hawksbill juveniles are less pelagic than green juveniles and tend to remain in offshore areas (Arafura Sea, Timor Sea, Banda Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria, Gulf of Papua), while northern Australian green turtle juveniles tend to move to the open ocean (Indian Ocean and Coral Sea).

Bustard, H. R. 1972. Sea Turtles: Their Natural History and Conservation. Collins Publ., London. 220 p.

Limpus, C. J., T. A. Walker, and J. West. 1991. Post-hatchling sea turtle specimens and records from the Australian region. In: Proc. Workshop on Marine Turtle Conservation, September 1990. Aust. Natl. Parks Wildl. Serv. (in press).

Walker, T. A. 1991. Juvenile flatback turtles in proximity to coastal nesting islands in the Great Barrier Reef province. J. Herpetol. 25:246-248.

Walker, T. A. and C. J. Parmenter. 1990. Absence of a pelagic phase in the life cycle of the flatback turtle, Natator depressa (Garman). J. Biogeography 17:275-278.

TERRY A. WALKER, Department of Environment and Heritage, P. O. Box 5391, Townsville 4810, AUSTRALIA.

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GUEST EDITORIAL: IT'S TIME TO STOP HEADSTARTING KEMP'S RIDLEY I noted with both interest and concern the recent MTN note on the tagged headstarted Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) recaptured in Caribbean Nicaragua [MTN 54:13-14]. It was interesting because the animal had carried the tag for eight years and it was still perfectly legible. This is good news, as is the fact that the animal had survived since its release. What concerned me was that the turtle had been recovered in Caribbean Nicaragua. Wild Kemp's ridleys are not now part of the marine fauna of Nicaragua, nor are there records to indicate they ever were. Is this another reflection of possibly altered behavior resulting from headstarting? Is this why headstarted Kemp's ridleys have also been captured off the Moroccan coast of northwest Africa? Is altered behavior resulting from headstarting the reason why we have not yet identified any headstarted Kemp's ridleys nesting at Rancho Nuevo after 14 years of protection? Could the lone Kemp's ridley that nested on Florida's west coast in May 1989 [MTN 48:8-9] have been a headstarted animal?

I am not a supporter of headstarting and, in particular, I do not believe that 25 clutches each year of the most endangered sea turtle species in the world should continue to serve as an "experiment" in this potentially damaging program. These 25 clutches amount to about 3 % of the annual production of hatchlings. I recognize that headstarting has great public and political appeal. Perhaps for the first time people can see little turtles in buckets and troughs and even touch them. But I would argue that it is not necessary to sacrifice hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of hatchlings every year to this public desire. The demand, if it is such, can be satisfied with a few animals from a single nest. Our [the U. S. government's] job is to conserve, manage, and recover depleted sea turtle resources utilizing proven techniques and biologically sound rationale. Scientific research is to provide us with the understanding, techniques, and guidance to do this. Disrupting an animal's natural behavior and subjecting them to experiments without required controls or measurability is not scientifically legitimate management. Add to this the fact that all sea turtles are recognized as endangered or threatened internationally, and we have even less justification for our actions -- whether we be in the U. S., Mexico, Indonesia, or any other country.

In the first few years of this U.S.-Mexico project, the 2,000 eggs that were removed annually from Rancho Nuevo (Mexico) to Padre Island, Texas to complete incubation and hatch were not subject to temperature monitoring and control. As a result, there were skewed sex ratios which favored males. In order to mitigate these results, females were later produced. Some of my colleagues believe the Kemp's ridley reaches sexual maturity in less than 10 years. If this is correct, along with the theory that headstarted turtles have a higher survival rate, then we should have been seeing some of these animals at Rancho Nuevo or Padre Island for the past 4-6 years even with the skewed sex ratios during the first 2-3 years of the project. The headstarting project was originally planned to continue for 10 years. Although the Padre Island aspect was discontinued three years ago, we are now in the 14th year of the experiment and I have no idea where the end point is. A U. S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) "Blue Ribbon Panel" recently suggested to NMFS that the experiment should continue for another 10 years after turtle excluder devices (TED) were in use by the U. S. shrimp fleet [see MTN 51: 26-27]. It's not clear if this recommendation has officially been adopted by NMFS, and it certainly has not yet had public or peer review, nor has the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service been asked to comment on the matter.

The NMFS continues to do an outstanding job of maintaining and raising 2,000 or so Kemp's hatchlings for an 8- to 24-month period every year and they should be unhesitatingly complimented for developing the techniques that result in this success. The animals look good and mortality is almost nil, but beyond a good hatchery operation, what are we really doing? I

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 7 submit that we don't have the slightest idea. Since we don't know, and evidence is mounting that perhaps headstarting may be altering behavior as it relates to where in the world these turtles are supposed to be, we had better re-evaluate this "research" project. The original concept was to attempt to establish a second nesting population at Padre Island as insurance against the possibility that the Rancho Nuevo core group might be lost, as well as to develop the techniques necessary to maintain the species in captivity should all else fail. The concept made sense in 1978, and I supported the idea then. However, we must always keep uppermost in our minds that in this experiment we are utilizing one of the world's most endangered species, and we have no controls or means of monitoring the experimental animals beyond a brief captive period of about nine months. When we consider this lack of control, the precarious state of the species, our almost total ignorance of key aspects of this experiment (such as behavioral modification), we really have no business, professionally or morally, in continuing to subject the turtle (and our limited resources) to this continuing and questionable experiment.

What about cost? In 1991, the U. S.-Mexico cooperative Kemp's ridley project protecting nests on the beach at Rancho Nuevo in Mexico cost approximately US$ 0.65 per hatchling released. This is the most expensive "per hatchling" sea turtle project that the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service funds. The Kemp's ridley headstarting project, on the other hand, and these are my conservative estimates, costs approximately US$ 125.00 per animal . . . and perhaps even more! What price glory? Despite all these negative aspects, there appear to be ever-increasing numbers of headstarting projects initiated in various parts of the world. It is unfortunate that there is too often a tendency for others to adopt what is being done in the United States. Sometimes this is good, but in some cases it causes others to simply repeat the same mistakes that we are making. Headstarting is one of those mistakes which is being repeated around the globe without any scientific or biological supporting data except that, "if the U. S. is doing it, it must be a proven management technique". Believe me, it is not proven and should not be initiated or continued. I've seen far too many sick, lethargic, and dead hatchlings (olive ridley, hawksbill, loggerhead, green turtle) resulting from the headstarting efforts of well- intentioned people in other nations, many of whom are attempting this based solely on something they were told or read about the Kemp's ridley headstarting experiment in the U. S.

It's very difficult to back away from a highly visible program. However, our commitment should be to the depleted species and to our professional ethics. Over the past 14 years, I believe the U. S. and Mexico have taken other actions besides headstarting to insure the future well-being and, hopefully, recovery of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle. The required use of TEDs and the current efforts of NMFS to expand TED use in time and space [see MTN 54:29], as well as strengthening enforcement and greatly improved compliance by the U. S. shrimp trawling industry are, in tandem with the Rancho Nuevo nesting beach effort, the most beneficial actions that could be taken to assure the survival of the Kemp's ridley. We should not continue to subject this species to experiments where direct benefits to the animal are so nebulous. Headstarting has had its day in the sun, but it is now clear that it is too dubious a project, as well as too costly, to continue for any sea turtle species ... and especially critically endangered species such as the Kemp's ridley. Let's reallocate the headstarting resources, both people and dollars, into proven conservation techniques and badly needed research that we can be more confident will have a desired effect. We've given headstarting our best shot -- let's bury it and move on.

JACK B. WOODY, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 USA.

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SEA TURTLE SURVEY AT OROLUK ATOLL AND MINTO REEF, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA An expedition was undertaken to assess the marine and terrestrial resources at Oroluk Atoll (7'32'N, 155'19'E) and Minto Reef (8'10'N, 154'18'E) from November 28 to December 6, 1990. The objective of the expedition was to document the existing conditions of these living resources and their habitats and to provide recommendations to the Government of the Federated State of Micronesia (FSM) and Pohnpei State regarding conservation and preservation of the resources and environments of the two atolls. An important component of these surveys was to document the occurrence of sea turtles at both sites.

OROLUK ATOLL Oroluk Atoll is well known as an important nesting site for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Pritchard (1977) noted that Oroluk Atoll was apparently the only nesting ground of importance for the green turtle in Ponape District (Pohnpei State). He estimated that 9-15 turtles nested on Oroluk on an average night during the nesting season, with up to 20 nests on a good night. Nesting turtles were tagged during 1985-86 by the FSM Marine Resources Division. To date, there has been only one long range recovery from the 15 adult female green turtles tagged. An individual of carapace length 99 cm tagged while nesting on Oroluk on 2 June 1986 was recaptured alive in Nan-Way Bay, Taiwan, on 18 April 1987 (Edson and Curren 1987).

Prior to this expedition, little observational work had been done underwater at Oroluk to document the importance of the atoll as foraging habitat for sea turtles. Underwater observations at other sites relatively close to Oroluk (i.e., Pingelap, Mokil, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Nukuoro) indicate some importance of these sites as foraging habitat (Pritchard 1977). Because there is little nesting reported at these other atolls and islands, the populations of green turtles found foraging there may be using Oroluk for nesting purposes.

Underwater surveys were undertaken at Oroluk from November 29 to December 3. A total of 46 stations were selected and surveyed using both scuba and snorkeling gear. Two teams of three or four divers each conducted the surveys with specialists recording on underwater slates those species in major groups for which they were responsible (corals, reef fish, macro invertebrates, benthic algae, sea turtles). Stations were selected in order to sample the major biotopes of the atoll. These included the ocean drop-off, passes, lagoon back reef, lagoon slope, and lagoon pinnacles.

Survey Results A total of 16 turtles were sighted during underwater surveys and from the vessel at anchor during the five day period at Oroluk Atoll (Table 1). Fifteen of the turtles sighted were green turtles and one was a hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). Of the 15 green turtles sighted, 14 were estimated to be juveniles ( < 75 cm carapace length) and one was an adult (about 100 cm carapace length). None of the turtles observed had been tagged and all appeared to be free of fibropapilloma, a life-threatening tumor disease which occurs in the Hawaiian green turtle population (see Balazs and Pooley 1991). Ten of the turtle sightings were made at lagoon pinnacle stations, indicating that the lagoon pinnacles probably contain the most desirable foraging and/or resting habitat. Caulerpa racemosa is a common benthic algae found on the pinnacles and is a major green turtle food source in other areas (Balazs 1990).

Natural predators of sea turtles were recorded when observed during the surveys. Numerous sharks of four species were observed at most stations. In order of abundance, sharks

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 9 ------

Table 1. Sightings of green and hawksbill sea turtles at Oroluk Atoll, 29 November - 3 December 1990. With the exception of one adult green turtle (denoted by an asterisk), all turtles sighted were juveniles. ------Station Number Greens Hawksbills

05 6 19 1 22 1 27 1 31 1 35 1 42 2 45 1 * 46 1 From ship at anchor recorded were the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), gray reef shark (C. amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and nurse shark (Nebrius concolor). Although these four species of sharks are not known predators of sea turtles, they are capable of feeding on hatchlings and small juveniles. No sightings were made of the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), the only known major predator of juvenile, sub-adult, and adult green turtles (Balazs 1980). However, this shark is nocturnal and likely occurs at Oroluk. Several large groupers (Eninohelus lanceolatus), well over 100 kg, were observed. They have been known to occasionally take juvenile green turtles (Balazs 1980).

On November 29 the team surveyed the coastline of Oroluk Island. No turtles, tracks on the beach, or nesting pits were seen. However, Typhoon Owen had passed just north of Oroluk about eight days earlier and had caused considerable damage to the island and reefs. Much of the sand and rubble beach on the north and northwest sides of the island had eroded. The most viable nesting beaches occur on the south side of the island close to the small village. Although the sand beach there was intact, pig pens and house platforms severely encroached on the limited turtle nesting habitat. Approximately 25 meters off the southwest shore of Oroluk Island a coral block enclosure had been built. Villagers claimed the enclosure was used for raising turtle hatchlings. Large turtle bones were seen on the bottom both within and outside of the enclosure.

During the present expedition two interviewers spent several days and nights ashore to assess the use of marine and terrestrial resources by the 13 people from Kapingamarangi now residing on the atoll Details of the existing level of turtle harvesting will be presented elsewhere. An individual on the island stated that between five and eight turtles haulout (nest or attempt to nest) on Oroluk Island every month, except June and July when they are "too numerous to count." He reported that island residents take every turtle they encounter. Only in the peak summer nesting season are some turtles allowed to return to the sea. The shell from a recently butchered large adult green turtle was observed drying next to a but in the village.

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Discussion There is little question that Oroluk Atoll is critically important to green turtles in the Caroline Islands, and is probably the most important site for the species in the Eastern Caroline Islands. Nesting activities continue at Oroluk Island, although at a reduced level from that reported in the 1970's by Pritchard (Edson and Curren 1978). In addition to the importance of Oroluk for nesting, survey results from this expedition reveal that juvenile and sub-adult green turtles utilize the lagoon for foraging. Juvenile abundance at prime nesting sites is not always the case in Micronesia. As an example, during a similar expedition to the northern Marshall Islands in September 1988 (Thomas 1989), intensive green turtle nesting activity was recorded at Bikar and Erikub Atolls and Jemo Island; however, virtually no juvenile turtles were sighted during numerous underwater surveys at these sites. Therefore, unlike other turtle nesting islands, Oroluk may be important as a resident area for several life stages of green turtles.

Recommendations The survey team strongly recommends that harvesting of turtle eggs and nesting female green turtles at Oroluk Island be totally prohibited. In addition, the prime nesting habitat along the south and southwest coastline of Oroluk Island should be allowed to revert to natural conditions. All pig pens and house sites should be removed from the intertidal and supratidal areas as soon as possible.

MINTO REEF On 4-5 December 1990, the team conducted surveys within 23 underwater stations at Minto Reef. Surveys were conducted by two teams utilizing two small boats, as was done at Oroluk. Stations were conducted both on scuba and using snorkel equipment.

Survey Results No sea turtles were sighted during the two days of survey work at Minto Reef. Typhoon Owen had hit Minto about eight days prior to the survey and caused extensive damage. Some reef areas were reduced to rubble berms, killing most of the live coral and many of the reef- associated invertebrates. The small islet to the north of Minto atoll (rumored to support limited turtle nesting) had completely disappeared. However, this may have occurred prior to Typhoon Owen. Regardless of the dramatic changes to Minto Reef rendered by Typhoon Owen, it is doubtful that the atoll supported many sea turtles. The team observed only one small pinnacle in the entire lagoon, indicating a greatly reduced area of potential shallow foraging habitat, particularly in comparison to Oroluk Atoll which has numerous pinnacles rising from the lagoon floor. In addition, Minto Reef lagoon encompasses an area less than one quarter the size of Oroluk Atoll lagoon.

Discussion and Recommendations The lack of turtles and turtle nesting and foraging habitat found by the survey team suggests that preservation status for Minto Reef based on sea turtle conservation and protection is not warranted at this time.

Balazs, G. H. 1980. Synopsis of biological data on the green turtle in the Hawaiian Islands. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo NMFS-SWFC-7 and University of Hawaii Sea Grant Cooperative Report UNIHI-SEAGRANT CR-81-02. 141 p.

Balazs, G. H. and S. G. Pooley (Editors). 1991. Research Plan for Marine Turtle Fibropapilloma. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFSC-156. 113 p.

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 11 Balazs,G. H., R. G. Forsyth, B. L. Becker, T. C. Johanos, B. K. Choy, and R. L. Westlake. 1990. Status and Ecology of marine turtles at Johnston Atoll: 1987 assessment. Admin. Rept. H-90-08. NOAA/NMFS Southwest Fisheries Center, Honolulu Lab.

Edson, C. and F. Curren. 1987. Report from Oroluk. Marine Turtle Newsletter 41:1-2.

Pritchard, P. C. H. 1977. Marine turtles of Micronesia. Chelonia Press, San Francisco. 83 p.

Thomas, P. E. J. (Compiler). 1989. Report of the Northern Marshall Islands natural diversity and protected areas survey, 7-24 September 1988. South Pacific Regional Environmental Program, Noumea, New Caledonia. East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. 133 p.

JOHN J. NAUGHTON, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Area Office-Southwest Region, 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2396 USA.

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON NATURAL REPRODUCTION OF HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES IN PALAU The hawksbill sea turtle population is declining in Palau. This is based on the personal observation of Becky B. Madriasau, and has also been reported in the literature based on the observations of older fishermen and local Conservation Officers (Pritchard 1982; Johannes 1986; Groombridge and Luxmoore 1989). As a conservation measure, a hawksbill 'head- starting' project [Project Leader Becky B. Madriasau] has been conducted by the Micronesian Mariculture Demonstration Center (MMDC) since 1982. The project has involved the artificial incubation of eggs collected from natural beaches. The resulting hatchlings are reared for 6-12 months prior to tagging and release. To date, 2,364 headstarted turtles have been released; 896 were tagged. Seven individuals have been reported recaptured, turtle l# 349 has been recaptured twice (Table 1).

Table 1. Release and recapture records for headstarted hawksbill sea turtles released from the Micronesian Mariculture Demonstration Center in Koror, Republic of Palau. ------Released Recaptured ------Tag Date Size Date Location Size

278 12 Mar 86 17.5s 03 Jul 87 Guam 34.3c Unk -- -- 26 Sep 88 Philippines -- 393 16 Sep 87 16.0s 05 Oct 88 Philippines 30.5c 520 12 Apr 88 14.1s 15 Nov 88 Philippines -- 349 06 Feb 87 24.1s 02 Apr 90 Palau 36.0s 242 16 Sep 85 44.4s 08 Jan 91 Palau 56.2c 702 09 Nov 88 19.5s 24 Jan 91 Palau 33.2s 349 02 Apr 90 36.0s 28 Jan 91 Palau 41.0s s straight carapace length c curved carapace length ______12 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55

There is now a growing local awareness that a new approach is needed to conserve the hawksbill population in Palau. This is because headstarting has not been demonstrated to be a proven management technique to restock sea turtle populations, either here in Palau or elsewhere in the world (e.g., Mortimer 1988; Woody 1990; Woody, this issue). Consequently, in 1991 the Palau project initiated a new approach and that is to accumulate natural biological knowledge, especially on reproduction, as a first step toward designing other conservation measures for Palau's hawksbills. We are also tagging turtles in the wild, capturing them either by the "rodeo" method or using SCUBA divers. To date, the project has found 57 nesting tracks during 22 survey trips by boat. However, 25 nests had already been stolen by poachers. Eggs from four nests were transported to the MMDC to protect them from poachers; an additional four nests were stolen, even though the nesting tracks had been carefully camouflaged, and two nests were washed away by the rough waters of a typhoon. We have observed the hatching of 13 nests in situ, and four by artificial incubation (Table 2).

------

Table 2. Hawksbill hatching success for eggs incubating naturally on the nesting beach (n=13) and by artificial incubation methods (n=4). ------Nest No. % Hatch Success Clutch size Date Eggs Found

9001 95.8 71 06 Dec 1990 9002 96.2 105 12 Dec 1990 91021 59.8 127 03 Jan 1991 9106 81.1 37 31 Jan 1991 9108 56.7 127 15 Feb 1991 9109 84.0 119 15 Feb 1991 9110 89.4 132 15 Feb 1991 9111 89.9 79 15 Feb 1991 9114 90.4 146 07 Mar 1991 9115 41.7 108 20 Mar 1991 9116 29.8 141 20 Mar 1991 9117 72.6 135 20 Mar 1991 9127 88.5 78 29 Mar 1991 91012 94.9 118 03 Jan 1991 91072 84.4 122 15 Feb 1991 91122 82.8 122 01 Mar 1991 91252 77.6 174 22 May 1991

1 This nest was replanted on higher ground immediately before hatching because the eggs had been wave-washed 2 These four nests were transported to the MMDC to protect them from poachers ------

Hatchlings from two transported nests (# 9101, # 9107) are now being reared for exhibit and tagging-release experimentation. The survival of these hatchlings in captivity (to 31 May 1991) was 96.7%. Hatchlings from the remaining two transported nests (# 9112, # 9125) were released immediately after hatching. At present, the MMDC is working with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring this project into compliance with the U. S. Endangered Species Act. Further details of the project's activities will be given in our next paper.

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 13 Groombridge, B. and R. Luxmoore. 1989. The green turtle and hawksbill (Reptilia: Chelonia): world status, exploitation and trade. UNEP/IUCN/CITES Publ. CITES Secretariat, Lausanne, Switzerland. 601 p.

Johannes, R. E. 1986. A review of information on the subsistence use of green and hawksbill sea turtles on islands under United States jurisdiction in the western Pacific Ocean. National Marine Fish. Serv. Admin. Report. SWR-86-2. U. S. Dept. Commerce. 41 p.

Mortimer, J. A. 1988. Management options for sea turtles: re-evaluating priorities. Florida Defenders of the Environment Bulletin 25.

Pritchard, P. C. H. 1982. Marine turtles of Micronesia, p.263-274. In: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles (K. A. Bjorndal, Editor). Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington D. C.

Woody, J. B. 1990. Is 'headstarting' a reasonable conservation measure? On the surface, yes; in reality, no. Marine Turtle Newsletter 50:8-11.

FUMIHIKO SATO and BECKY B. MADRIASAU, Division of Marine Resources, MMDC, P. O. Box 359, Koror PALAU 96940. [N.B. F. Sato is a staff member of the Ogasawara Marine Center, Japan; he was recently dispatched to Palau as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert.]

CITES UPDATE MEXICO JOINS CITES -- The Secretariat [of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species] has informed the United States that Mexico deposited its instrument of accession to CITES, and will become the 111th Party effective 30 September 1991, without reservations.

SEA TURTLE TRADE -- On 2 July 1991, [U. S.] Secretary of the Interior Lujan and [U. S.] Secretary of Commerce Mossbacher notified President Bush that, as a result of the Pelly Amendment certification of Japan for diminishing the effectiveness of CITES (and subsequent discussions), Japan announced that: it has ended its trade in olive ridley sea turtle skins; it will limit its imports of hawksbill shell to 7.5 metric tons between now and 31 December 1992; it will not import any more hawksbill shell after 31 December 1992; it will remove its hawksbill [CITES] reservation by July 1994. The Pelly Amendment certification of Japan will remain in place until Japan withdraws its sea turtle reservations.

THAILAND BAN -- On 15 July 1991, the [U. S.] Fish and Wildlife Service published a Notice of Information in the Federal Register announcing to the public a ban on trade in CITES-listed wildlife with Thailand, effective 31 July 1991. The Service will not clear for importation any shipments of CITES wildlife that are exported or re-exported from Thailand, nor will it approve for export to Thailand any CITES-listed wildlife species. Source: Department of the Interior, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service CITES Update, No. 9, July 1991.

14 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55

REGULATIONS GOVERNING BEACH FURNITURE PASSED IN FLORIDA

On 4 June 1991, the Sanibel City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 91-17 which established regulations governing the use of furniture and beach equipment on the Sanibel beaches. For years I have been recording the damage done to loggerhead sea turtles seeking to nest and to their eggs as a result of the ever-increasing inventories of privately owned beach furniture. Some of the resort areas along the beautiful and famous Sanibel beach have literally become cluttered with furniture that is generally in disrepair and, in my opinion, quite unsightly. Its presence despoils the character of Sanibel, destroys the beach vista, and ruins the beach's value as a quality beach experience (one of the Island's main attractions which directly benefits the resorts).

In my book, "The Loggerhead Turtle in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico", I document the impact of heavy items of beach furniture on incubating sea turtle eggs. Last summer I brought this problem to the attention of the City's Wildlife Committee, of which I am a member. An Ordinance was drafted, reviewed by the Planning Commission and scrutinized at numerous public hearings, and eventually passed by the City Council. I thank those concerned Sanibel residents who supported this Ordinance through the lengthy process. The Ordinance requires that furniture and recreational equipment which is not in use be removed from the beach between 9:00 p. m. and 7:00 a. m. I am the first to acknowledge that the new Ordinance will be difficult to enforce but, on the night of passage, commercial furniture rental concessionaires voluntarily started removing furniture. Small resorts and condominiums began to comply a few days later. Although at least one motel owner who cares little for the beach environment, or the appearance of his beach, has threatened a law suit, I expect compliance to be at an acceptable level soon.

In the resort zone with the densest nesting, we mark the vicinity of nests with appropriate signage which asks that beach furniture not be placed within ten feet of a sign's location. The sign is placed 3-5 feet from the actual location of eggs. This technique provides nest protection when furniture is moved to the beach each morning. We use other management options for egg protection in the other resort zones. Sanibel has long been a leader in environmental matters, and we hope that this Ordinance will become a model throughout Florida ... and in other parts of the world where the use of recreational beach equipment threatens the safety of nesting sea turtles and their eggs. If you would like to obtain a copy of the Ordinance, or the nest marker signs we use, please write to me at the address below.

CHARLES LeBUFF, Caretta Research Inc., P. O. Box 419, Sanibel, Florida 33957 USA.

RECENT PAPERS

ABRAHAM, C. 1990. Preliminary observations on the nesting of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) on the Madras Coast, South India. Hamadryad 15(1):10-12. C. Abraham, Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network, A1/4/4. 3rd Main Road, Besant Nagar, Madras 600090 INDIA.

ACUNA-MESÉN, R. A. 1989(1990). Microscopic anatomy of the Eretmochelvs imbricata eggshell (Linnaeus 1766). Brenesia 31:33-42. R. Acuna-Mesén, Escuela de Biología, Univ. Costa Rica, COSTA RICA.

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 15 ACUNA-MESÉN, R. A. 1990. Ultraestructura de la piel los neonatos de Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Chelonidae). Rev. Biol. Trop. 38(1):55-62. R. Acunia-Mesén (as above). (in Spanish)

ALVARADO D., J. and A. FIGUEROA L. 1991. Comportamiento reproductivo de la tortuga negra Chelonia agassizi. Ciencia y Desarrollo 17(98):43-49. J. Alvarado, Escuela de Biologia, Univ. de Michoacan, Apartado 35-A, Morelia, 58000, Michoacan, MEXICO.

BJORNDAL, K. A., H. SUGANUMA, and A. B. BOLTEN. 1991. Digestive fermentation in green turtles, Chelonia mydas, feeding on algae. Bull. Mar. Sci. 48(1):166-171. K. Bjorndal, Univ. Florida, Archie Carr Ctr. Sea Turtle Research, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA.

CHRISTIAN, P. A. and D. L. HARRINGTON. 1987. Loggerhead turtle, finfish, and shrimp retention studies on four turtle excluder devices (TEDs), p.114-127. In: Proc. Third Southeastern Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Symposium (R. R. Odom, K. A. Riddleberger, and J. C. Ozier, Editors). Georgia Dept. Natur. Res., Game and Fish Division. P. Christian, Univ. Georgia, Marine Extension Serv., Brunswick. Georgia 31523 USA.

DEMAS, S. and S. WACHTEL. 1991. DNA fingerprinting in reptiles: BKM hybridization patterns in Crocodilia and Chelonia. Genome 34(3):472-476. S. Demas, Div. Repro. Genetics, Dept. Obstetrics Gynecology, Univ. Tennessee-Memphis, 711 Jefferson Ave., Memphis, Tennessee 38105 USA.

DI PALMA, M. G., F. LO VALVO and B. ZAVA. 1989. Research on the breeding of Caretta caretta L. 1758 in Sicily, Italy (Reptilia: Chelonia). Naturalista Siciliano 13(1-2):53-59. M. Di Palma, Sezione Per I Beni Naturali and Naturalisticic Soprintendenza ai Beni Culturali and Ambientali, Via Siracusa N. 15, 90100 PALERMO.

DUPUY, A. R. 1986-1987. New data for marine turtles in Senegal. Bull. Inst. Fondam. Afr. Noire Ser. A Sci. Nat. 46(3-4):403-411. A. Dupuy, Les Folies, 28210 Ormoy, FRANCE. (in French)

DYER, W. G., E. H. WILLIAMS, Jr. and L. BUCKLEY-WILLIAMS. 1991. Some Digeneans (Trematoda) of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (Testudines: Cheloniidae) from Puerto Rico. J. Helminthol. Soc. Wash. 58(2):176-180. W. Dyer, Dept. Zool., Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, IL 62901-6501 USA.

FONTAINE, C. T., K. W. INDELICATO and J. P. FLANAGAN. 1990. A congenital lung disorder in a juvenile head started Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi. Herpetological Review 21(4):80-81. C. Fontaine, Natl. Marine Fisheries Service, SEFSC Galveston Laboratory, Galveston, Texas 77551-5997 USA.

FRAZIER, J. 1990. Tortugas Marinas en Chile. Un Oceano: Boletin Red de Avistamiento de Ceteceos, RAC-CODEFF. Comité Nacional Pro Defense de la Fauna y Flora (Chile). Bóletin 5, ano 3, marzo 1990, pp.6-7. J. Frazier, CINVESTAV, A.P. 73 "Cordemex", Yucatan, MEXICO C.P. 97310.

GRAMENTZ, D. 1989. Marine turtles in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Centro 1(4) :41-56. D. Gramentz, Fö1derichstr. 7, 1000 Berlin 20, GERMANY.

16 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55

GUILLETTE, L. J. Jr., K. A. BJORNDAL, A. B. BOLTEN, T. S. GROSS, B. D. PALMER, B. E. WITHERINGTON and J. M. MATTER. 1991. Plasma estradiol-17-beta progesterone prostaglandin F and prostaglandin E-2 concentrations during natural oviposition in the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta. Gen. Comp. Endocrmol. 82(1):121- 130. L. Guillette, Lab. Vert. Repro., Dept. Zool., Univ. Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA.

HARRY, J. L. and K. L. WILLIAMS. 1991. Differential growth of male and female urinogenital systems of Caretta caretta within the sex-determining period. J. Exp. Zool. 258(2):204-211. J. Harry, Sch. Biol. Sci., Macquarie Univ., Sydney N.S.W. 2109, AUSTRALIA.

HAYS, G. C. and J. R. SPEAKMAN. 1991. Reproductive investment and optimum clutch size of loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta. J. Anim. Ecol. 60(2):455-462. G. Hays, Dept. Zool., Univ. Aberdeen, Tillydrone Ave., Aberdeen AB9 2TN, UNITED KINGDOM.

HAYS, G. C. and J. SUTHERLAND. 1991. Remigration and beach fidelity of loggerhead turtles nesting on the island of Cephalonia, Greece. J. Herpetol. 25(2):232-233. G. Hays (as above).

HORROCKS, J. A. and N. McA. SCOTT. 1991. Nest site selection and nest success in the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelvs imbricata, in Barbados, West Indies. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 69:1-8. J. Horrocks, Dept. Biology, Univ. West Indies, Cave Hill, BARBADOS.

IBARRA-VIDAL, H. and J. CARLOS ORTIZ. 1990. New records and extension of the geographical distribution of some marine turtles in Chile. Bol. Soc. Biol. Concepcion 61:149-152. H. Ibarra-Vidal, Dept. Zool., Univ. Concepcion, Casilla 2407-10, Concepcion, CHILE.

IVERSON, J. B. 1991. Patterns of survivorship in turtles (Order Testudines). Can. J. Zool. 69(2):385-391. J. Iverson, Dept. Biol., Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA.

JANZEN, F. J. and G. L. PAUKSTIS. 1991. Environmental sex determination in reptiles -- ecology, evolution, and experimental design. Qrtly. Rev. Biol. 66(2):149-179. F. Janzen, Univ. Chicago, Dept. Ecology and Evolution, 940 E 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637 USA.

JUDD, F. W., H. NIEUWENDAAL and D. L. HOCKADAY. 1991. The leatherback turtle, Dermochelvs coriacea, in southernmost Texas. Texas J. Sci. 43(1):101-103. [no address provided]

KAMEZAKI, N. 1990. Karyotype of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelvs imbricata, from Japan, with notes on a method for preparation of chromosomes from liver cells. Jap. Journ. Herpetol. 13(4):111-113. N. Kamezaki, Department of Zoology, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606 JAPAN.

LAURENT, L. 1988. Observations pélagiques de la caouanne, Caretta caretta, en Méditerrannée occidentale. Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr., 45:9-16. L. Laurent, 33 his, rue Alexis Perroncel, 69100 Villeurbanne, FRANCE.

LAURENT, L. 1990. L'origine des caouannes, Caretta caretta, de Méditerrannée occidentale. Rapp. C.I.E.S.M. 32(1):240. L. Laurent (as above).

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 17

LAURENT, L. 1990. The sea turtles in Algeria and in Morocco (Mediterranean Sea). Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. 55:1-23. L. Laurent (as above).

LAURENT, L. 1991. Les tortues marines des cotes francaises Mediterraneennes continentales. Faune de Provence (C.E.E.P.) 12:76-90. L. Laurent (as above).

LAURENT, L., S. NOUIRA, A. JEUDY DE GRISSAC and M. N. BRADAL 1990. The sea turtles of Tunisia: first data. Bull. Soc. Herp. Fr. 53:1-17. L. Laurent (as above).

LIMPUS, C. J. and J. D. MILLER. 1990. The use of measured scutes of hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelvs imbricata, in the management of the tortoiseshell (bekko) trade. Aust. Wildl. Res. 17(6):633-640. C. Limpus, Queensland Natl. Parks Wildl. Serv., P. O. Box 155, North Quay, Brisbane 4002, AUSTRALIA.

LOCKHART, R. 1990. Marine turtle conservation in Papua New Guinea. B.C.G. Testudo 3(2): 52-68. R. Lockhart, Cosmos Office, Math. Dept., Goldsmith's College, London Univ., 25 St. James, London, England U.K.

LOHMANN, K. J. 1991. Magnetic orientation by hatchling loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta. J. Exp. Biol. 155:37-50. K. Lohmann, Friday Harbor Lab., 620 University Rd., Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 USA.

LUTCAVAGE, M. E. and P. L. LUTZ. 1991. Voluntary diving metabolism and ventilation in the loggerhead sea turtle. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 147(2):287-296. M. Lutcavage, Dept. Comparative Biosci., Sch. Veterinary Med., Univ. Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA.

MARQUEZ M., R. 1990. Sea Turtles of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Sea Turtle Species Known to Date. FAO Species Catalogue, Fisheries Synopsis No. 125, Vol. 11. Rome. 81 p. R. Marquez M., Inst. Nac. Pesca, Centro de Invest. Pesquera, A. P. 591, Manzanillo, Colima MEXICO 28200.

MARQUEZ M., R., J. VASCONCELOS and C. PENAFLORES. 1990. XXV anos de investigación, conservación y protección de la tortuga marina. Instituto Nacional de la Pesca. México. 49 p. R. Márquez M. (as above). (in Spanish)

MARSHALL, A. T. 1988. Intracellular and luminal ion concentrations in sea turtle salt glands: x-ray microanalysis of frozen-hydrated bulk samples. Inst. of Physics Conf. Ser. No. 93: 559-560. A. Marshall, La Trobe Univ., Dept. Zool., Bundoora, Victoria 3083 AUSTRALIA.

MEYER, C. A. 1991. Burial experiments with marine turtle carcasses and their paleoecological significance. Palaios 6(1):89-96. C. Meyer, Geological Inst., Univ. Bern, Baltzerstr. 1, CH- 3012 Bern, SWITZERLAND.

MROSOVSKY, N. and C. PIEAU. 1991. Transitional range of temperature, pivotal temperatures and thermosensitive stages for sex determination in reptiles. Amphibia-Reptilia 12:169- 179, E. J. Brill, Leiden. N. Mrosovsky, Dept. Zool., Univ. Toronto, Ontario, M5S IAl CANADA.

18 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 MURPHY, S. R. 1987. Sea turtle recovery efforts in the southeastern United States, p.63-71. In: Proc. Third Southeastern Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Symposium (R. R. Odom, K. A. Riddleberger, and J. C. Ozier, Editors). Georgia Dept. Natur. Res., Game and Fish Division. S. Murphy, S. C. Wildl. Mar. Res. Dept., P. O. Box 12559, Charleston, South Carolina 29412 USA.

NICHOLLS, E. L., T. T. TOKARYK and L. V. HILLS. 1990. Cretaceous marine turtles from the western interior seaway of Canada. Can. J. Earth Sci. 27(10):1288-1298. E. Nicholls, Univ. Calgary, Dept. Biol. Sci., 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary T2N 1N4, Alberta CANADA.

PINCKNEY, J. 1990. Correlation analysis of adult female egg and hatchling sizes in the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta (L.), nesting at Kiawah Island, South Carolina USA. Bull. Mar. Sci. 47(3):670-679. J. Pinckney, Dept. Biol. Sci., Univ. South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208 USA.

SEABROOK, W. 1991. How many green turtles nest on Aldabra? Oryx 25(2):96-98. W. Seabrook, Univ. Sydney, School of Biol. Sci., NSW 2006, AUSTRALIA.

SHAVER, D. J. 1991. Feeding ecology of wild and head-started Kemp's ridley sea turtles in south Texas waters. J. Herpetol. 25(3):327-334. D. Shaver, Padre Island National Seashore, 9405 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418 USA.

SOLOMON, S. E. and R. LIPPETT. 1991. Lipid inclusion in the livers of captive reared marine turtles. Anim. Technol. 42(2):77-81. S. Solomon, Univ. Glasgow, Dept. Vet. Anatomy, Vet. School, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH SCOTLAND.

STABENAU, E. K., T. A. HEMING and J. F. MITCHELL. 1991. Respiratory, acid-base and ionic status of Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi) subjected to trawling. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 99A(1/2):107-111. E. Stabenau, Pulmonary Research Lab, Route H76, Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550.

- - STABENAU, E. K., C. G. VANOYE and T. A. HEMING. 1990. HCO3 /Cl exchange in Kemp's ridley sea turtle erythrocytes. The Physiologist 33(4):A-63. E. Stabenau (as above).

SUZUKI, T. and T. KASAI. 1990. Development of the subclavian artery in the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, studied by the injection method. Acta Anat. Nippon 65(5):361- 373. T.,Suzuki, Dept. Anat., Hirosaki Univ. Sch. Med., Hirosaki 036, JAPAN. (in Japanese)

TUCKER, A. D. and N. B. FRAZER. 1991. Reproductive variation in leatherback turtles, Dermochelvs coriacea, at Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico. Herpetologica 47(1):115-124. A. Tucker, Savannah River Ecology Lab, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 USA.

VENIZELOS, L. E. 1991. Pressure on the endangered Mediterranean marine turtles is increasing: the role of MEDASSET. Mar. Poll. Bull. 23:613-616. L. Venizelos, MEDASSET, 1C Licavitou ST/GR-10672 Athens, GREECE.

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 19 WELLS, S. M. and J. G. BARZDO. 1991. International trade in marine species: is CITES a useful control mechanism? Coastal Management 19(1):135-154. S. Wells, 56 Oxford Road, Cambridge CB4 3PW, ENGLAND U. K.

WILES, G. J., G. H. RODDA, T. H. FRITTS and E. M. TAISACAN. 1990. Abundance and habitat use of reptiles on Rota Mariana Islands, North Pacific Ocean. Micronesica 23(2): 153-166. G. Wiles, Div. Aquatic Wildl. Res., P. O. Box 2950, Agana, GUAM 96910.

WITHERINGTON, B. E. 1991. Orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles at sea off artificially lighted and dark beaches. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 149(1):1-12. B. Witherington, Univ. Florida, Archie Carr Ctr. Sea Turtle Research, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA.

WITHERINGTON, B. E. and K. A. BJORNDAL. 1991. Influences of artificial lighting on the seaward orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta. Biol. Cons. 55(2): 139-150. B. Witherington (as above).

ZUG, G. R. 1990. Age determination of long-lived reptiles: some techniques for sea turtles. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Zoologie, Paris, 13e Série 11:219-222. G. Zug, Dept. Vertebrate Zoology, Natl. Mus. Nat. Hist., Smithsonian Inst., Washington D. C. 20560.

ZUG, G. R. 1991. Age Determination in Turtles. Herpetological Circular No. 20:1-29. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Single copies available by purchase only: send US$ 5.00 to Douglas H. Taylor, Dept. Zool., Miami Univ., Oxford, Ohio 45056 USA.

TECHNICAL REPORTS

CAILLOUET, C. W., Jr. 1991. Bibliography of NMFS Galveston Laboratory publications and reports on sea turtles, 1978-1991. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-280. ii +9 p. Available from: National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161 USA.

FONTAINE, C. T., J. A. WILLIAMS and C. W. CAILLOUET, Jr. 1991. General information about sea turtle research at the NMFS Galveston Laboratory. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-259. 9 p. (Revised April 1991). Available from: National Technical Information Service (as above).

FONTAINE, C. T., M. J. DURONSLET, D. B. REVERA, T. D. WILLIAMS, J. A. WILLIAMS, S. A. MANZELLA, E. K. STABENAU, A. M. LANDRY, Jr. and C. W. CAILLOUET. 1990. Kemp's Ridley Head Start Experiment and Other Sea Turtle Research at the Galveston Laboratory: Annual Report Fiscal Year 1989. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-266. iv +63 p. Available from: NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, SEFSC Galveston Laboratory, Galveston, Texas 77551-5997 USA.

RICHARDSON, T. H., J. 1. RICHARDSON and M. DONNELLY (Compilers). 1990. Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-SEFC-278. 286 p. Available from: J. Richardson, Georgia Sea Turtle Co-op., Institute of Ecology, Univ. Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602 USA.

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THESES AND DISSERTATIONS

BENTLEY, TIMOTHY BRIAN. 1981. Respiratory Physiology of Diving in the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). Master of Science thesis, University of Miami, Miami, Florida USA.

BURKE, VINCENT J. 1990. Seasonal Ecology of Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempi) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Sea Turtles in the Waters of Long Island, New York. Master of Arts thesis, State Univ. of New York, College at Buffalo, New York USA.

CONANT, THERESE A. 1991. Ghost Crab Predation on Emergent Sea Turtles From Relocated Nests on a Barrier Island, North Carolina. Master of Science thesis, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington USA.

BOOK REVIEW

SEA TURTLES IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN by Rodney Salm and Susan Salm 37 pages, 6 x 8.5 inches, softcover edition only 4.000 Omani Rials or US$ 10.00 (airmail), 2.400 Omani Rials or US$ 6.50 (surface mail) 16 color photos, 4 orig. color illus., maps Languages: English and Arabic (specify language when ordering) Publisher: The Historical Association of Oman, Copyright 1991

SEA TURTLES IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN is a scholarly but highly readable and colorful book. A map depicts the primary green turtle feeding grounds around Oman, as well as the country's main green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and olive ridley nesting beaches. Nesting sites of global importance are so noted, especially Masirah Island for loggerheads, Ra's al Hadd for green turtles, and Juzur ad Daymaniyat for greens and hawksbills. Some 20,000 green turtles deposit 50-60,000 clutches annually, especially along the 45 km stretch of coast from Ra's al Hadd south to Ra's al Khabbah, while an estimated 30,000 loggerheads nest each year at Masirah Island, the largest nesting colony for this species in the world. Loggerheads also nest "in fairly large numbers" along the Dhofar coast. The Salms explain that their country is important for hawksbills, which nest in low numbers at several mainland sites (where they are very vulnerable to human disturbance and predators) and in somewhat higher concentrations on the more protected Daymaniyat Islands, making this small cluster of islands of global import to this highly endangered species. Olive ridleys are the least common; perhaps 100 nest annually on Masirah Island and low numbers at several sites on the mainland. Nowhere are the huge olive ridley arribadas observed, as occur on the Orissa coast of India. Leatherbacks nest rarely, if at all, in Oman but may feed offshore and occasionally wash ashore dead.

A black and white sketch of each of the five sea turtle species is accompanied by a brief description, including diagnostic characters, size, distribution, migration, reproduction, and diet. An informative narrative of the life cycle follows, focusing largely on the nesting and hatching sequences. Natural predators are mentioned, as well as the excesses of man which have led the sea turtles to their precarious modern circumstance. The hunting of turtles for meat, shell, bone, oil and leather, the collection of eggs for food, resort development and other forms of habitat encroachment, incidental catch, and marine pollution are all, to a greater or lesser extent, problems in Oman. Archaeological evidence shows that turtles have been hunted in the region for more than 7,000 years, but it is the efficiency of modern technology that makes

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 21 present-day hunters so destructive. Efforts to save the turtles have included field surveys, tagging programs, and protective legislation. Scientific research, public awareness, and international cooperation are all needed if the sea turtle is to survive. Copies of this excellent little book are available from The Historical Association of Oman, P. O. Box 6941, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman. Orders should be accompanied by a bankers draft in the amount indicated above for surface or airmail service; specify language (English or Arabic). /KLE

LEGAL BRIEFS

SEYCHELLES BANS TURTLE CATCH -- The Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has banned the catching of green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelvs imbricata) sea turtles because the number of hawksbills is declining throughout the archipelago and the green turtle is virtually extinct in the granitic islands (Mahe, Praslin and La Digue) and the Amirantes group, with only a few remaining around the coralline islands. Traditionally fishermen have been permitted to take a limited number for personal consumption, but permits have been abused. The ban will stay in force while the permit system is revised. Source: Seychelles Tourist Office, London, 11 February 1991 [as reported in Oryx, 1991, 25:129].

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JAPAN TO CONTINUE DRIFT-NETTING -- Japan has announced that its fleets would continue drift-net fishing for "scientific research purposes" after the UN ban comes into effect in 1992. Source: Monitor, 19 February 1991 [as reported in Oryx, 1991, 25:130].

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BELIZE VOLUNTEERS PROTECT TURTLES -- Northern Ambergris Cay is the largest nesting site for sea turtles in Belize, but in 1988 poachers disturbed a large percentage of nests despite the fact that taking turtle eggs is illegal. In 1989 and 1990 the Belize Audubon Society organized volunteers to patrol the beaches between May and August. The effort has almost eliminated poaching and volunteers have also released many hatchlings trapped in nests by roots and grass. Source: Belize Audubon Society, 20 February 1991 [as reported in Oryx, 1991, 25:133].

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USAID SUPPORTS MISKITO COAST PROTECTED AREA -- The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded an historic Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) proposal to establish the 5,000-square-mile Miskito Coast Protected Area in a zone of rich marine environments and coral islands off the northern coast of Nicaragua. The sea grass beds in the Miskito Cays are [among] the world's greatest foraging grounds for endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), supporting nearly 90% of the turtles tagged at CCC's Tortuguero research station. In addition, the reefs and lagoons in the area are home to endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelvs imbricata), endangered West Indian manatees, and other rare and endangered species. The Miskito Cays are also home to the indigenous Miskito Indians, skilled fishermen known colloquially as "the turtle people". . . . "The Miskito Coast Protected Area will be unique," [CCC Program Director] Charles Luthin said. "This area will be preserved in its natural condition, but will also be managed for sustainable fisheries to support the remarkable lifestyle of the indigenous peoples." Source: excerpted from Caribbean Conservation Corporation Velador, Summer 1991.

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KEMP' S RIDLEY NESTS IN TEXAS -- On 30 April 1991 about 10:00 a.m., a female Kemp's ridley sea turtle crawled out of the water about one mile south of the National Park Service ranger station at the National Sea Shore near Corpus Christi and laid 107 eggs. A couple from Houston alerted the park rangers who photographed her and moved the eggs for [protected] incubating. No flipper tag scar was visible, so we don't know if she was a 'headstarted' turtle or not; but it's still great news! Source: Help Endangered Animals-Ridley Turtles HEART Newsletter, Summer 1991.

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NEW TOUR LAW PROTECTS TURTLES -- Tortuguero's turtles will be more tranquil on the nesting beaches this year, thanks to a new Costa Rican law that requires trained guides to escort tourists on the beach while turtles are nesting. The rule is based on a 1990 Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) research project that reported negative impacts from increased ecotourism in the area. The rule requires tour groups of 15 or less to be accompanied by a licensed guide. Guides, who will be trained in a cooperative program between CCC and the Costa Rican Park Service, must respect sea turtle protection laws and are the only ones allowed to use a flashlight on the beaches. Tourists will be allowed to use flash photography only when it will not affect sea turtle nesting, and must leave the beach once they have observed the nesting process. The law, in effect at night from July 1 to October 15, establishes a 6 km "tourist zone" from the mouth of the Tortuguero River south to the edge of Tortuguero National Park. Tourists will not be allowed in the Park at night, and the Park Service will organize a system of patrols to control tourism. Source: excerpted from Caribbean Conservation Corporation Velador, Summer 1991.

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MUTILATION OF TURTLES IN GREECE -- A young sea turtle (40 cm in length) was found in Aegina in September 1990 with a hook embedded in her mouth. The damage to her head and carapace indicated that she had been savagely hit. Her eyes had been intentionally gouged out. Unable to fend for herself in the wild, she now lives on the island of Aegina in an inflatable boat filled with sea water and has to be hand-fed. She is under the care of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Injured Wild Animals and Birds. Her case is not unique. Every year since 1987 more turtles, blinded and with hooks in their mouths, have been found in the waters of Zakynthos and Samothraki, some alive, some dead. In 1989, one washed ashore at Marathon (Attika) and was reported to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature; the turtle died a week later. Most of these turtles have been found by individuals who have immediately alerted the marine authorities and the issue has been widely reported in the Greek press. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The utmost pressure must be put on the Greek government for appropriate action to be taken to bring an end to this cruelty. Source: MEDASSET and Greek Animal Welfare Fund Media Statement, issued February 1991.

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CARR NWR IN BUDGET CRUNCH -- On 6 June 1991 when Representative Sidney Yates opened the budget mark-up for the Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations, he noted that there was a substantial shortage of money to fund many deserving projects. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge was one casualty of the money shortage. The Subcommittee appropriated only $2 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Refuge in 1992. Florida's 19 Representatives had requested $10 million, to match the State's commitment

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 23 of $10 million to buy land for the Refuge. At present on 24% of the refuge is in public ownership. The Interior appropriations bill will soon go to the Senate where the Refuge has received little support in the past. Source: excerpted from Center for Marine Conservation Marine Conservation News, 1991, 3(3):19.

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TED TESTING -- Turtle Excluder Device (TED) certification testing was conducted at Cape Canaveral, Florida, 17-19 July 1991. One TED, a 7 3/8 inch Andrews TED, passed the turtle exclusion test. Thirty-six turtles were captured in the standard net and none were counted as taken in the TED net out of 21 tows. Formal certification of the TED is in process. Testing was suspended on 19 July due to unexplained turtle mortalities during tows of less than 40 minutes duration. These unexpected mortalities suggest that future TED testing should not be conducted during summer months when water temperatures are high. Source: NMFS Southeast Region Newsbreaker No. 91-03, 14 August 1991.

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TED ENFORCEMENT CONTINUES -- Since the beginning of the year until July, the Seventh Coast Guard District has made 1,523 fishery regulations enforcement boardings and has found 331 violations. Of 415 shrimp vessels boarded, only 31 have been in violation of the turtle excluder device (TED) requirement. From May until July, the coast guard boarded 102 shrimp trawlers [in South Carolina and Georgia waters] at least once for TED inspections and found 12 violations. These vessels were taken into port and their nets were seized as evidence. Eleven other vessels were guilty of minor violations which were corrected during the inspections. Most of these minor violations involved escape openings that were one or two inches too small. TED enforcement boardings continue off South Carolina and Georgia. A 210-foot-cutter, CGC Vigilant, will patrol off these coasts during the summer. Since April 1, 77 different shrimp trawlers have been boarded for TED inspections and seven have been cited for TED violations off the southwest coast of Florida. These vessels were taken into port and their nets were seized. Source: excerpted from South Atlantic Fishery Management Council South Atlantic Update, August 1991.

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NET FISHERIES REGULATED FOR TURTLES -- The deaths of over two dozen endangered sea turtles on Florida's east coast in January has led to a new rule governing the near-shore net fishing industry. Over the last decade, sea turtle mortality attributed to net fishing steadily rose to a high of 110 turtles in 1990. During the first month of 1991, 28 endangered green turtles washed ashore on Florida's east coast, some with net marks or cuts where they were freed from nets. The new rule requires boat crews to more closely tend their nets and limits total net time in the water to 60 minutes. The rule also limits net lengths and requires identifying corks, so that untended or free-floating "ghost" nets can be more easily traced. Perhaps the most important aspect of the new regulations will be enforcement through the Florida Marine Patrol. Florida fishermen have an incentive to comply with the regulations, since gill net fishing has been banned in some states because of the tendency of the nets to indiscriminately catch and kill anything that swims in the ocean. The new rule is effective year around in Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties, which are the areas of the state most heavily populated with sea turtles. Source: excerpted from Caribbean Conservation Corporation Turtle Log, August 1991.

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24 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 INSHORE SEA TURTLE TRACKING -- Tracking of one loggerhead and four green turtles is underway at South Padre Island, Texas. Trackers use radio and sonic telemetry to monitor movement and diving behavior of turtles at the South Padre Island Jetties, in South Bay, and at the southern end of Laguna Madre. This intensive four week study is extended for at least two additional weeks because of exceptional success in capturing, tagging, and following turtles in several different inshore areas. This work is conducted in cooperation with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the impact of dredging on endangered and threatened sea turtles. Source: NMFS Southeast Region Newsbreaker No. 91-03, 14 August 1991.

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GEORGIA STRANDINGS UPDATE -- During April-June, several carcasses were identified with trauma from heavy impact by the dragheads of the hopper dredges working the Brunswick [Georgia] Channel and the St. Simons Entrance. This prompted the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove turtles from the waters near the dredge, and to conduct other studies in tandem with this effort. The result was the capture and tagging of 70 turtles in the waters of the Brunswick Harbor and Entrance Channel, and their relocation to St. Andrews Sound. With TEDs in effect after 1 May, there was an immediate and sustained reduction in the number of dead turtles washing up on the beaches of Georgia. Numbers were still high during the first part of May, but most of this was attributable to the residual effects of TED non-use in April (most of the early May carcasses were severely decomposed or skeletons only). From a high of 91 strandings in April, 42, 8 and 12 strandings were reported for May, June and July, respectively. Source: Georgia STSSN Memos dated 21 June, 18 July, and 6 August 1991.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR U.S.-MEXICO KEMP'S RIDLEY PROJECT

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking applications for up to six volunteers to work on the Kemp's ridley sea turtle nesting beach during the period from April through August 1992. Volunteers will be assigned to one of three camps and work directly with Mexican counterparts in conservation efforts to protect the annual nesting aggregations of the endangered Kemp's ridley in the area of Rancho Nuevo in the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Volunteers will be housed and fed and receive a stipend of $200/month. Transportation will be provided from Brownsville, Texas, to the field camp in Mexico. For further information, interested applicants should contact:

Jack Woody, or Richard Byles U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Post Office Box 1306 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 USA Tel: (505) 766-8062 FAX: (505) 766-2289

'CENTRE FOR SEA TURTLE STUDIES' ESTABLISHED IN ZAKYNTHOS

Systematic studies of marine turtles in Greece began about 12 years ago. Since then studies and conservation efforts have grown, particularly in the past seven years, as seven semi- permanent field stations have been established by the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 25 (STPS). The nesting activity of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is monitored each season on more than 150 km of beaches in Zakynthos, Kyparissia, Lakonikos Bay, Crete, and Rhodes. Furthermore, "doomed" nests are relocated to beach hatcheries and the main factors which affect nesting are determined. In the context of these projects, more then 2,800 female loggerhead turtles have been tagged, mostly in Zakynthos. About 3 % of the tagged turtles have been recovered elsewhere in the Mediterranean. These long distance recoveries have yielded important information on the movements of turtles at sea. Recently, STPS established a Centre for Sea Turtle Studies on the island of Zakynthos. Zakynthos is the most important nesting area for Caretta in the Mediterranean, supporting 900-2,000 nests, depending on the year, on 3.5 km of beaches. The initial objectives of the Centre are the following:

1. Create a data bank for all the information collected, 2. Formulate a reference library, 3. Encourage the initiation of similar projects in the Mediterranean region, 4. Educate and train researchers on current monitoring techniques, and 5. Distribute information and supply tagging equipment for small-scale projects in the Mediterranean.

SEA TURTLE CENTRE, J. Plessa 1, GR - 291 00, Zakynthos, GREECE.

TURTLES REHABILITATED AFTER PERSIAN GULF OIL SPILLS

Following the spill of some five million barrels of oil from the Kuwaiti oil fields in January, the RSPCA [Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] was asked by the Saudi Arabian Government for assistance in the rehabilitation of affected animals. The 3-man team set up a wildlife cleaning centre in Al-Jubayl with the intention of treating oiled birds. However, it was soon realised that other animals were at risk from pollution and marine turtles were one of those which could be treated. Three live oiled turtles were brought into the centre, a 4.5 kg hawksbill and two green turtles (87 kg, 95 kg). The hawksbill arrived from the island of Abu-Ali, 40 km north of Al-Jubayl, and was totally covered in crude oil. On examination it was found to be in reasonably good physical condition with no injuries. It was not tagged.

In cleaning oiled birds, hot water (42°C) and detergent are used to the best effect, so the same basic method was used to clean the turtle. It was placed in a sink on an upturned bucket and a toothbrush was used to clean the carapace, plastron, and soft parts. It was then thoroughly rinsed using a shower spray. With this method only slight traces of oil remained inaccessible between the scales and the scutes. Its eyes had no apparent damage, but were treated prophylactically with a proprietary eye cream (Lacrilube-Allergan) which would ease any irritant effects of oil. There was clearly some oil in its mouth, so a pair of blunt-ended half-curved surgical scissors were used as a gag by inserting the closed end at the angle of the jaw, passing over the tongue to the opposite jaw, then gently rotating 90°. The mouth and tongue were cleaned using cotton buds and rinsed with clean water. Considering the amount of oil in the mouth, it was assumed that the animal had ingested some, although there was no evidence of diarrhea or oily feces. [We] administered prophylactically some fluids and adsorbants orally while the gag was in place. A stomach tube was inserted orally (9FG childs' nasogastic catheter) and 100m1 glucose/rehydration solution (Lectade-Beechams) and 20m1 kaoli-pectin suspension (Kaojel-Parke-Davies) were administered as the maximum amounts it was felt practically we could give in one dose.

26 - Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 These procedures took approximately 20-25 minutes in total, after which the turtle was put into a shallow pool of warm water indoors under observation. Immediately it was swimming around the pool, showing no significant effects of its oiling, subsequent capture and transportation, or cleaning and veterinary treatment. The animal was quite fat and no attempt was made to force-feed it whilst in captivity; fish ... was offered but the turtle did not eat. There is a Saudi Arabian turtle tagging scheme, and for this animals' future identification it was measured, weighed, and tagged. After only three days in captivity [it was released]. Discussions with a scientist who is studying turtles in the Gulf located a suitable clean beach for its release south of Abu-Ali. It was placed near the shallows and without any ceremony immediately swam away.

TIM THOMAS, Wildlife Officer RSPCA and IAN ROBINSON, MRCVS, Manager RSPCA. Reprinted from: British Chelonia Group Newsletter, May/June 1991:4-5. [N.B. The Saudi Ministry for the Environment reported 500 green and hawksbill turtles dead within days of the Gulf oil slick forming (Greenpeace-U.K., in litt. 7 February 1991).]

ARCHIE CARR NWR STILL NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

In September, Congress will determine the Fiscal Year 1992 appropriation for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge for sea turtles. The House has budgeted $2,000,000, while the Senate has budgeted no money at all. The final amount will be decided in conference committee. The federal government finished spending the $2,000,000 that was appropriated for Fiscal Year 1991 in early August with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchase of three parcels in Brevard County in the northernmost core area of the refuge. A 2.93-acre Indian River County parcel was also acquired as part of a larger purchase for the neighboring Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Meanwhile, the State of Florida is spending $10,000,000 and has committed $10,000,000 more for refuge acquisitions. The funds come from the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program which is funded by Florida's Preservation 2000 initiative. There are nearly 100 properties competing for favorable ranking on Florida's CARL acquisition list. Last year the sea turtle refuge ranked eighth. The CARL Land Acquisition Advisory Council will meet again on December 6, 1991 to make the annual ranking of environmentally sensitive Florida lands.

Your letters are greatly needed to commend Florida for its outstanding dedication to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and to encourage the Council to maintain the favorable ranking of the refuge on the CARL list. Communication for the six-member CARL Council can be directed to Dr. O. Greg Brock, Land Acquisition Planning Section, Dept. Natural Resources, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 45, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000; Tel: (904) 487-1750.

SUSAN MARYNOWSKI, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, P. O. Box 2866, Gainesville, Florida 32602-2866 USA; Tel: (904) 373-6441.

PLEASE . . .

The printing and distribution of the Marine Turtle Newsletter (MTN) is supported entirely by donations from readers around the world. Your donation, no matter how modest, would be most welcome! Please make your check payable to Conservation International, and mail it to that organization (address p.28). Be sure to indicate that the donation is for the MTN! Thank you very much for your support, and our gratitude is extended as well to the many readers who have indicated to us that the summer issue (MTN 54) was the best ever! KLE/SAE

Marine Turtle Newsletter, No. 55 - 27 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTRIBUTORS

The Marine Turtle Newsletter (MTN) publishes manuscripts that deal largely or exclusively with marine turtles. The aims of the MTN are: (1) to provide a forum for exchange of information about all aspects of marine turtle biology and conservation, and (2) to alert interested people to particular threats to marine turtles, as they arise (Mrosovsky, 1976, MTN 1:1). The MTN is published quarterly (January, April, July, October) and is distributed free of charge to all interested persons. To the extent that donations are sufficient to meet the need, the policy of free distribution will continue. Manuscripts should be sent to the Editors at the address on the letterhead. Manuscripts should be composed in either English or Spanish, be legibly typewritten and double-spaced (generally 1-8 pages, including references and figures). The authors' name, affiliation and address must be provided. Tables and figures should include brief captions; graphics should be clear and "camera ready" (large lettering is appreciated since most figures are reduced before printing). The Editors retain the privilege of soliciting peer comment on any manuscript submitted and may request that the author(s) revise the article according to comments received.

The MTN welcomes the results of original, research, field survey findings, advances in field and laboratory techniques, book reviews, and informal status reports from research/ conservation /management programs with sea turtles around the world. In addition, notes on changes in the legal status of sea turtles, public awareness programs, the availability of new educational materials (include the name and address of the distributor and the cost of the item, if applicable), job announcements (paid or volunteer), and notification of newly published scientific papers, technical reports and academic theses are all appropriate contributions. Readers are also encouraged to alert the Newsletter to letter-writing campaigns and other activities which may need the support of the sea turtle research and conservation community. Finally, the MTN serves as a conduit for debate and discussion and welcomes contributions on any aspect of the legal or scientific status of sea turtles, or on conservation philosophy. In order to be considered for publication in the upcoming issue, contributions must reach the Editors by the first of the month preceding (i.e., 1 December, 1 March, 1 June, 1 September). KLE/SAE

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Publication of this issue was made possible by donations from Mr. and Mrs. George H. Parsons (Seattle, WA), Project Turtle Watch (Hilton Head Island, SC, Therese Conant (Harkers Island, NC, Frank Lopez (Pt. Richmond, CA), Christine Ann Meek (Panorama City, CA), Steven Everhart (Buies Creek, NC), Heather Troyer (Lithopolis, OH), Patricia Finfrock (Winters, CA), Cayman Turtle Farm Ltd., The Chelonia Institute, Greenpeace-USA, World Wildlife Fund-USA, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Spanish edition is supported by Confederacion Universitaria Centroamericana, World Wildlife Fund-USA, and USFWS, and is produced by Susana Salas, Coordinadora, Noticiero de Tortugas Marinas, CSUCA, Programa de Tortugas Marinas-UCR, Apdo. 271- 2050, San Pedro, Costa Rica. The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily shared by the Editors, the Editorial Board, the U. S. National Marine Fisheries Service, Conservation International, or any individuals or organizations providing financial support.

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