Factors driving dispersal and habitat use of loggerhead sea turtle post-hatchlings and its conservational implications

Abstract

Abstract Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting events are increasing in the western Mediterranean Sea, far from their usual nesting areas in the Mediterranean and Atlantic basins. The study of dispersal behaviour towards potential developmental areas of loggerhead post-hatchlings from this new nesting area is crucial to comprehend this colonization process and determining grounded conservation strategies. To fill this gap, was investigated, for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, the dispersal strategies and habitat use based on data from 19 head-started loggerhead post-hatchlings released from the Spanish Mediterranean coast and satellite-tracked between 2016-2018. Turtles dispersed over large areas and showed active swimming phases, as they frequently dispersed against sea currents. Dispersal routes varied for each individual, although they consistently dispersed south-eastwards, especially during the coldest periods. Several post-hatchlings travelled through the Sicilian Channel to reach deep and warmer areas in the eastern Mediterranean basin. The most year-round suitable areas corresponded to the Ionian and Levant Seas. Therefore, conservation measures focused on this stage should be taken at least in these developmental areas.