Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This study is the first to use satellite telemetry to track post-nesting movements of endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Gulf of Guinea. Understanding the in-water movements and foraging habitats of green turtles is essential for creating effective conservation plans and reducing anthropogenic threats. Satellite transmitters were attached in 2018 to six Atlantic green turtles nesting on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea to track their post-nesting movements and locate their foraging grounds. Track lengths of 20-198 days were analyzed, for a total of 536 movement days for the six turtles. Turtles exhibited a combination of coastal and oceanic migrations pathways that ranged from 957km to 1,131km. Of the six turtles, five completed their migration and maintained residency at the same foraging ground near the coastal waters of Accra, Ghana for a significant time. These resident turtles inhabit heavily fished and polluted waters and are vulnerable to a variety of anthropogenic threats. The identification of these previously unknown foraging grounds highlights the importance of these coastal waters for the protection of the endangered Atlantic green turtle, and supports the creation of effective, informed management plans.