sea turtles
Photo credit: Fernando Bretos
All seven species of sea turtles worldwide are considered endangered, due to a combination of overfishing and habitat destruction. Nesting beach monitoring, tagging and genetic studies are beginning to provide a better understanding of the connectivity of sea turtle populations within the Trinational context, with important conservation implications. In addition, researchers are engaging local communities to reduce poaching and bycatch and increase awareness. Predominant species sharing the region are (in no particular order) green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and, to a lesser extent, (Dermochelys coriacea) leatherback turtles and Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea).
2018 Sea turtles working group
2018 Sea Turtles Group Presentation