Lagrangian analysis of sea turtle ecology

Animal tracking technology has proved instrumental in detailing the migrations of large marine organisms, whilst ocean models are gaining increasing application for studying the current driven dispersal of smaller organisms. By combing these techniques to study the dispersion of new born hatchling sea turtles alongside the post breeding migrations of satellite tracked adult turtles, we can gain key information on sea turtle life histories (e.g. on the ontogeny of adult turtle migrations). Nonetheless, whilst reliant on ocean currents to reach their oceanic development habitats, hatchlings also embark on periods of active swimming which may influence their dispersal outcomes. Consequently, information on their swimming behavior is required to improve dispersal simulations/understanding into adult migrations. In Cape Verde, we used new acoustic nano-tags to conduct the first tracking study of loggerhead turtle hatchlings. Loggers were also used in indoor swimming arenas that recorded daily swimming/resting activity over longer periods. Programming swimming behavior into ocean model simulations is now key to explaining the interesting dichotomy in the post breeding migration/foraging strategies of adult turtles tracked from this important nesting rookery