scholarly journals Evolutionary Comparisons of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) Genomes from Fibropapillomatosis-Afflicted Green (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2489
Author(s):  
Liam Whitmore ◽  
Kelsey Yetsko ◽  
Jessica A. Farrell ◽  
Annie Page-Karjian ◽  
Whitney Daniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Evolution ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Oncogenic Virus ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Turtle Species

The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth’s ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand how the disease impacts sea turtle populations and species and the future trajectory of disease incidence. We generated 20 ChHV5 genomes, from three sea turtle species, to better understand the viral variant diversity and gene evolution of this oncogenic virus. We revealed previously underappreciated genetic diversity within this virus (with an average of 2035 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1.54% of the ChHV5 genome) and identified genes under the strongest evolutionary pressure. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of ChHV5 at both genome and gene level, confirming the propensity of the virus to be interspecific, with related variants able to infect multiple sea turtle species. Finally, we revealed unexpected intra-host diversity, with up to 0.15% of the viral genome varying between ChHV5 genomes isolated from different tumours concurrently arising within the same individual. These findings offer important insights into ChHV5 biology and provide genomic resources for this oncogenic virus.

scholarly journals Evolutionary Genomic Comparisons of Chelonid Herpesvirus 5 (chhv5) From Fibropapillomatosis-Afflicted Green (Chelonia Mydas), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea), And Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys Kempii) Sea Turtles.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Whitmore ◽  
Kelsey Yetsko ◽  
Jessica A. Farrell ◽  
Annie Page-Karjian ◽  
Whitney Daniel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Evolution ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Oncogenic Virus ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Turtle Species

The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth’s ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease, and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand how the disease impacts sea turtle populations and species and the future trajectory of disease incidence. We generated 20 ChHV5 genomes, from three sea turtle species, to better understand the viral variant diversity and gene evolution of this oncogenic virus. We revealed previously underappreciated genetic diversity within this virus (with an average of 2,035 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs], 1.54% of the ChHV5 genome) and identified genes under the strongest evolutionary pressure. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of ChHV5 at both genome and gene level, confirming the propensity of the virus to be interspecific with related variants able to infect multiple sea turtle species. Finally, we revealed unexpected intra-host diversity, with up to 0.15% of the viral genome varying between ChHV5 genomes isolated from different tumours concurrently arising within the same individual. These findings offer important insights into ChHV5 biology and provide genomic resources for this oncogenic virus.

scholarly journals Incidental capture of sea turtles by industrial bottom trawl fishery in the Tropical South-western Atlantic

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 1525-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzana Machado Guimarães ◽  
Davi Castro Tavares ◽  
Cassiano Monteiro-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Bottom Trawl ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Turtle Species

The five sea turtle species occurring in Brazilian waters are susceptible to threats, including incidental catches by fisheries. Studies on incidental captures in fishing gears are the main focus of several conservation actions due to high sea turtle fishery mortality worldwide. This study provides the first evaluation of incidental sea turtle catches by industrial bottom trawl fisheries operating in Brazilian waters. Four twin-trawler vessels were monitored between July 2010 and December 2011 by captains who voluntarily completed logbooks. Forty-four turtles were captured during the 1996 tows (8313 fishing hours), resulting in a catch of 5.3 ± 0.8 turtles per 1000 h per unit effort. Captured species included the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta, 22 individuals), olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea, 21 individuals) and one green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Water depth was the only variable that significantly affected sea turtle captures according to Generalized Linear Models. The capture rates reported in this study ranked sixth in relation to other published studies of similar fisheries occurring worldwide. Considering the importance of this region for sea turtles, the increasing evidence of sea turtle mortality and the goals of the National Action Plan for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Brazil, it is essential to identify the main threats towards these animals and propose mitigating solutions to reduce sea turtle mortality induced by fishing activities. This study provides results that may guide future research and goals in meeting sea turtle conservation strategies.

scholarly journals Ocular ultrasonography of sea turtles

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Muramoto ◽  
Vinícius Cardoso-Brito ◽  
Ana Cláudia Raposo ◽  
Thais Torres Pires ◽  
Arianne Pontes Oriá
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Chamber ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Corneal Thickness ◽  
Anterior Chamber Depth ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Turtle Species

Abstract Background Environmental changes contribute to the development of ophthalmic diseases in sea turtles, but information on their eye biometrics is scarce. The aim of this study was to describe ophthalmic ultrasonographic features of four different sea turtle species; Caretta caretta (Loggerhead turtle; n = 10), Chelonia mydas (Green turtle; n = 8), Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtle; n = 8) and Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive ridley; n = 6) under human care. Corneal thickness, scleral ossicle width and thickness, anterior chamber depth, axial length of the lens, vitreous chamber depth and axial globe length were measured by B-mode sonography with a linear transducer. Carapace size and animal weight were recorded. A sonographic description of the eye structures was established. Results The four species presented an ovate eyeball, a relatively thin cornea, and a small-sized lens positioned rostrally in the eye bulb, near the cornea, resulting in a shallow anterior chamber. The scleral ossicles did not prevent the evaluation of intraocular structures, even with a rotated eye or closed eyelids; image formation beyond the ossicles and measurements of all proposed structures were possible. B-mode sonography was easily performed in all animals studied. The sonographic characteristics of the eye were similar among the four species. Since there was a correlation between the size of the eye structures and the size of the individual, especially its carapace size, the differences found between E. imbricata and Caretta caretta are believed to be due to their overall difference in size. Conclusions Sonography is a valuable tool in ophthalmic evaluation of these species. Only minor differences were found between the species in this study, reinforcing their phylogenetic proximity and their similar functions and habitats.

Structural description of sea turtle fibropapilloma

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 585-591
Author(s):  
Luana Melo ◽  
Isabel Velasco ◽  
Julia Aquino ◽  
Rosangela Rodrigues ◽  
Edris Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Turtle ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Neoplastic Disease ◽  
Structural Description ◽  
Chemical Carcinogens ◽  
Epidermal Proliferation ◽  
Turtle Population ◽  
Bulky Mass

Fibropapillomatosis is a neoplastic disease that affects sea turtles. It is characterized by multiple papillomas, fibropapillomas and cutaneous and/or visceral fibromas. Although its etiology has not been fully elucidated, it is known that there is a strong involvement of an alpha - herpesvirus, but the influence of other factors such as parasites, genetics, chemical carcinogens, contaminants, immunosuppression and ultraviolet radiation may be important in the disease, being pointed out as one of the main causes of a reduction in the green turtle population. Thus, the objective of this article was to describe the morphology of cutaneous fibropapillomas found in specimens of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), using light and scanning electron microscopy in order to contribute to the mechanism of tumor formation. Microscopically, it presented hyperplastic stromal proliferation and epidermal proliferation with hyperkeratosis. The bulky mass was coated with keratin, with some keratinocyte invaginations, that allowed the keratin to infiltrate from the epidermis into the dermis, forming large keratinized circular spirals. Another fact that we observed was the influence of the inflammation of the tumors caused by ectoparasites.

scholarly journals The Olive Ridley Project (ORP): A successful example of how to engage researchers, conservation practitioners and civil society

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Stelfox ◽  
Mercedes Martin-Cereceda ◽  
Karim Vahed ◽  
Jillian Hudgins ◽  
Stephanie Köhnk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Ecology ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
The Uk

The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) was set up to protect sea turtles and their habitats. The project was formed in 2013, and it became a registered charity in the UK in 2016. From its inception, ORP took a multidisciplinary approach to achieve its goals. Part of its objectives, and the reason why the charity came to fruition, are related to the issue of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) entanglement in abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (also known as ‘ghost gear’ or ‘ghost nets’), and the search for ghost gear and turtle entanglement ‘hot spots’ throughout the Indian Ocean. The initial ORP research questions were soon challenged by societal interests to develop inclusive educational programmes in local communities and tourist resorts that could raise awareness about the need for conservation of all sea turtle species. In February 2017, ORP opened the first veterinarian-run, fully equipped Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in the Maldives, bringing together the work of researchers, citizen scientists, volunteers, environmentalists, marine biologists and veterinarians. The present work of ORP sits on a strong and scientifically robust collaborative plan. Current ORP research projects range from sea turtle population analyses, spatial ecology, rehabilitation of injured and sick individuals, epibiont parasite analyses, precise turtle identification through photo-ID research, linking ghost gear to responsible fisheries, and analyses of ghost gear drift patterns. The programme enhances community education and outreach by engaging schoolchildren, organizing workshops, promoting sustainable use of ghost gear waste, and training citizen scientists and local fishing communities. The ORP programme encompasses many principles of research engagement, effectively combining scientific knowledge, education and action. This article explores all stages of the process (from research planning and design, to knowledge exchange and inter- and trans-disciplinary impact assessments), describing the active engagement originated by the ORP initiative. A reflective insight into the learning, enrichment and challenges of engaging researchers and community actors is also included, considering the current social and scientific framework.

Sea Turtle Bycatch in the Large-Mesh Gillnet Flounder Fishery in Carteret County, North Carolina, USA, June-November 2009

2016 ◽  
Vol 132 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 10-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbie L. Byrd ◽  
Lisa R. Goshe ◽  
Trip Kolkmeyer ◽  
Aleta A. Hohn
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Endangered Species Act ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
String Length ◽  
Lepidochelys Kempii ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
June July

Abstract Sea turtle bycatch has been documented in the large-mesh gillnet fishery that targets flounder in estuarine waters of North Carolina (NC). However, only portions of the fishery operated under Endangered Species Act Incidental Take Permits and had regular observer coverage to determine the occurrence and extent of sea turtle bycatch. From June through November 2009, an Alternative Platform Observer Program (APOP) was initiated in southeastern Carteret County, NC, to document turtle entanglements. Observers covered 1.6% of the total number of large-mesh gillnet trips reported (1.1% of landings) and documented turtle bycatch (n = 22) on 36% of the observed trips (12 of 33). Most turtles were recovered alive (n = 15), and all interactions occurred in June, July, and August. Bycaught sea turtle species included 12 greens (Chelonia mydas), 5 Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii), and 5 loggerheads (Caretta caretta). Hauls with bycaught turtles in June had a significantly greater mean string length than those without bycatch (P = 0.02), but despite the institution of regulations limiting string length, no difference was found in mean string length overall before (June) and after (July-November) regulations went into effect. Documented turtle bycatch in this area supports the need for observer coverage across the entire spatio-temporal scope of the fishery at levels necessary for robust bycatch estimates. Representative observer data across longer time series can inform managers where and when bycatch risks are greatest and help in developing mitigation measures that decrease bycatch risk while reducing negative economic impacts on the fishers.

scholarly journals The value of long-term, community-based monitoring of marine turtle nesting: a study in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike I. Olendo ◽  
Gladys M. Okemwa ◽  
Cosmas N. Munga ◽  
Lilian K. Mulupi ◽  
Lily D. Mwasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Turtle ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Western Indian Ocean ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Green Turtles ◽  
Incubation Duration

AbstractMonitoring of nesting beaches is often the only feasible and low-cost approach for assessing sea turtle populations. We investigated spatio-temporal patterns of sea turtle nesting activity monitored over 17 successive years in the Lamu archipelago, Kenya. Community-based patrols were conducted on 26 stretches of beach clustered in five major locations. A total of 2,021 nests were recorded: 1,971 (97.5%) green turtleChelonia mydasnests, 31 (1.5%) hawksbillEretmochelys imbricatanests, 8 (0.4%) olive ridleyLepidochelys olivaceanests and 11 (0.5%) unidentified nests. Nesting occurred year-round, increasing during March–July, when 74% of nests were recorded. A stable trend in mean annual nesting densities was observed in all locations. Mean clutch sizes were 117.7 ± SE 1 eggs (range 20–189) for green turtles, 103±SE 6 eggs (range 37–150) for hawksbill turtles, and 103±SE 6 eggs (range 80–133) for olive ridley turtles. Curved carapace length for green turtles was 65–125 cm, and mean annual incubation duration was 55.5±SE 0.05 days. The mean incubation duration for green turtle nests differed significantly between months and seasons but not locations. The hatching success (pooled data) was 81.3% (n = 1,841) and was higher for in situ nests (81.0±SE 1.5%) compared to relocated nests (77.8±SE 1.4%). The results highlight the important contribution of community-based monitoring in Kenya to sustaining the sea turtle populations of the Western Indian Ocean region.

Sea Turtle Navigation and the Detection of Geomagnetic Field Features

1998 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Lohmann ◽  
Catherine M. F. Lohmann
Keyword(s):  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Ocean Basin ◽  
Open Ocean ◽  
Continuous Series ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Green Turtles ◽  
Open Sea ◽  
Circular Current ◽  
Distant Target

The lives of sea turtles consist of a continuous series of migrations. As hatchlings, the turtles swim from their natal beaches into the open sea, often taking refuge in circular current systems (gyres) that serve as moving, open-ocean nursery grounds. The juveniles of many populations subsequently take up residence in coastal feeding areas that are located hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the beaches on which the turtles hatched; some juveniles also migrate between summer and winter habitats. As adults, turtles periodically leave their feeding grounds and migrate to breeding and nesting regions, after which many return to their own specific feeding sites. The itinerant lifestyle characteristic of most sea turtle species is thus inextricably linked to an ability to orient and navigate accurately across large expanses of seemingly featureless ocean.In some sea turtle populations, migratory performance reaches extremes. The total distances certain green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and loggerheads (Caretta caretta) traverse over the span of their lifetimes exceed tens of thousands of kilometres, several times the diameter of the turtle's home ocean basin. Adult migrations between feeding and nesting habitats can require continuous swimming for periods of several weeks. In addition, the paths of migrating turtles often lead almost straight across the open ocean and directly to the destination, leaving little doubt that turtles can navigate to distant target sites with remarkable efficiency.

scholarly journals Quantifying Illegal Extraction of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Pheasey ◽  
George Glen ◽  
Nicole L. Allison ◽  
Luis G. Fonseca ◽  
Didiher Chacón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Caribbean Coast ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Illegal Wildlife Trade ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Impact

Estimates of illegal wildlife trade vary significantly and are often based on incomplete datasets, inferences from CITES permits or customs seizures. As a result, annual global estimates of illegal wildlife trade can vary by several billions of US dollars. Translating these figures into species extraction rates is equally challenging, and estimating illegal take accurately is not achievable for many species. Due to their nesting strategies that allow for census data collection, sea turtles offer an exception. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, three sea turtle species (leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea; green, Chelonia mydas; and hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata) are exploited by poachers. Despite the consumption of turtle eggs and meat being illegal, they are consumed as a cultural food source and seasonal treat. Conservation programmes monitor nesting beaches, collect abundance data and record poaching events. Despite the availability of robust long-term datasets, quantifying the rate of poaching has yet to be undertaken. Using data from the globally important nesting beach, Tortuguero, as well as beaches Playa Norte and Pacuare on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, we modelled the spatial and temporal distribution of poaching of the three sea turtle species. Here, we present data from 2006 to 2019 on a stretch of coastline covering c.37 km. We identified poaching hotspots that correlated with populated areas. While the poaching hotspots persisted over time, we found poaching is declining at each of our sites. However, we urge caution when interpreting this result as the impact of poaching varies between species. Given their low abundance on these beaches, the poaching pressure on leatherback and hawksbill turtles is far greater than the impact on the abundant green turtles. We attribute the decline in poaching to supply-side conservation interventions in place at these beaches. Finally, we highlight the value of data sharing and collaborations between conservation NGOs.

scholarly journals Sustainable Community-run Development: Experiences from the ADIO Project in Ostional, Costa Rica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Katja Klopfer
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Olive Ridley ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Conservation Projects

<p>In the face of the current global sustainability challenge, seeking out and strengthening sustainable alternative methods for community development has become an urgent task for development professionals and academics. In order to explore one of such alternatives, in this thesis I draw on research conducted with the Associación de Desarollo Integral de Ostional (ADIO). Located on Costa Rica’s rural Pacific coast, ADIO was initiated by the local community of Ostional and resulted in the Project of Sustainable Use, Conservation and Management of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle in 1987. Co-managed by the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINAE), ADIO practices conservation and scientifically monitors the management of the Olive Ridley sea turtle species. Surplus eggs from the turtle arribadas (the mass nesting’s of sea turtles) at the optional beach are being legally harvested and marketed by ADIO. This project has successfully contributed to the protection of the Olive Ridley turtle population whilst returning socio-economic benefits into the community. The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of ADIO’s work and the significance of ADIO to the local community. My research draws on the experiences of community members to identify their perception of the benefits of ADIO to their own community, and unpack areas in need of improvement. Qualitative data were collected from community members through: semi structured interviews, participant observation, a reflective workshop, a questionnaire and field notes. The findings of this research identify key elements for the success of ADIO, and demonstrate the benefit of this Project toward the sustainability of the local community. This research demonstrates that socio-economic benefits can be gained through appropriate community participation in sustainable conservation projects, which can further enhance the desire of the local community to be better stewards of natural resources. This thesis seeks to contribute in some small way to an existing body of knowledge on the topics of sustainability, community-run conservation, and development.</p>

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