Informing research priorities for immature sea turtles through expert elicitation

Although sea turtles have received substantial focus worldwide, research on the immature life stages is still relatively limited. The latter is of particular importance, given that a large proportion of sea turtle populations comprises immature individuals. We set out to identify knowledge gaps and identify the main barriers hindering research in this field. We analyzed the perceptions of sea turtle experts through an online survey which gathered their opinions on the current state of affairs on immature sea turtle research, including species and regions in need of further study, priority research questions, and barriers that have interfered with the advancement of research. Our gap analysis indicates that studies on immature leatherback Dermochelys coriacea and hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata turtles are lacking, as are studies on all species based in the Indian, South Pacific, and South Atlantic Oceans. Experts also perceived that studies in population ecology, namely on survivorship and demography, and habitat use/behavior, are needed to advance the state of knowledge on immature sea turtles. Our survey findings indicate the need for more interdisciplinary research, collaborative efforts (e.g. data-sharing, joint field activities), and improved communication among researchers, funding bodies, stakeholders, and decision-makers.Fil: Wildermann, Natalie E.. Florida State University; Estados UnidosFil: Gredzens, Christian. Florida State University; Estados UnidosFil: Avens, Larisa. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Barrios Garrido, Héctor A.. Universidad del Zulia; Venezuela. Florida State University; Estados UnidosFil: Bell, Ian. Aquatic Species Program. Conservation And Biodiversity Operations Branch; AustraliaFil: Blumenthal, Janice. Cayman Islands Department Of Environment; Islas CaimánFil: Bolten, Alan B.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: McNeill, Joanne Braun. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Casale, Paolo. Università degli Studi di Pisa; ItaliaFil: Di Domenico, Maikon. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Domit, Camila. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Epperly, Sheryan P.. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Godfrey, Matthew H.. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Estados Unidos. University of North Carolina; Estados Unidos. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Godley, Brendan J.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: González Carman, Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Hamann, Mark. James Cook University; AustraliaFil: Hart, Kristen M.. United States Geological Survey; Estados UnidosFil: Ishihara, Takashi. Sea Turtle Association of Japan; Japón. Suma Aqualife Park; JapónFil: Mansfield, Kate L.. University Of Central Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Metz, Tasha L.. No especifica;Fil: Miller, Jeffrey D.. No especifica;Fil: Pilcher, Nicolas J.. Marine Research Foundation; MalasiaFil: Read, Mark A.. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; AustraliaFil: Sasso, Christopher. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Seminoff, Jeffrey A.. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Seney, Erin E.. University Of Central Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Williard, Amanda Southwood. University of North Carolina; Estados UnidosFil: Tomás, Jesús. Universidad de Valencia; EspañaFil: Vélez Rubio, Gabriela M.. Universidad de la República; Uruguay. Karumbé Ngo; UruguayFil: Ware, Matthew. Florida State University; Estados UnidosFil: Jessica L. Williams. Tartarugas para o Amanhã; MozambiqueFil: Wyneken, Jeanette. Florida Atlantic University; Estados UnidosFil: Fuentes, Mariana M. P. B. Florida State University; Estados Unido