Sea Turtles of California: What We Know and How We Are Learning More
Summary:
– Green turtles in the eastern North Pacific have remarkably recovered and are now commonly spotted in Southern California’s coastal waters.
– Drs. Cali Turner and Andrew Maurer are researchers at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center who study marine turtle ecology, behavior, and population dynamics.
– The talk will highlight their findings on various sea turtle species in California, including loggerheads, olive ridleys, and giant leatherbacks.
– Their research methods encompass various techniques, from boat surveys to lab analysis and underwater exploration.
– Besides sea turtles, they have also studied marine mammals like Northern Fur Seals and baleen whales.
Sea turtles have captured the attention and imagination of people around the world. Their fascinating lives and evolutionary history make them truly remarkable creatures. In recent years, the study of sea turtles has made significant strides, and researchers like Drs. Cali Turner and Andrew Maurer are at the forefront of this exciting field. Join us as we explore some unique and captivating aspects of sea turtles found in California waters and beyond.
1. Green Turtles: A Success Story
One of the most remarkable stories of species recovery is that of the green turtles in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. These once-endangered creatures are now making a strong comeback and are regularly sighted in Southern California’s coastal waters. The researchers will share their insights into the factors contributing to their recovery and the ongoing efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
2. The Sea Turtle Research Team
Drs. Cali Turner and Andrew Maurer are part of NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center and are dedicated to studying marine turtle ecology and behavior. With expertise in various turtle species and marine mammals, their research sheds light on crucial aspects of these animals’ lives, including migrations, foraging habits, and social behavior.
3. Research Methods: An Array of Techniques
The research team employs a diverse range of techniques and approaches to unravel the mysteries of sea turtles. From conducting surveys on boats and studying their behavior on shore to lab analysis and aerial and underwater surveys, no stone is left unturned in their pursuit of knowledge. By utilizing these varied methods, they can comprehensively understand sea turtles’ lives in their natural habitats.
4. Insights into Species Composition
The talk will delve into California’s four main sea turtle species: green turtles, loggerheads, olive ridges, and giant leatherbacks. Each species has its unique characteristics and ecological roles. By understanding their population dynamics and behavior, researchers can contribute to effective conservation strategies and protect their habitats for future generations.
5. From Fieldwork to Lab Analysis
As part of their research, Drs. Turner and Maurer employ cutting-edge lab techniques to uncover vital information about sea turtles. They can trace the turtles’ foraging habitats by analyzing stable isotopes and shed light on their diet preferences. Understanding the connections between these animals and their environment is crucial for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.
6. A Glimpse into Sea Turtle Social Behavior
Sea turtles are not solitary creatures. Recent research has revealed fascinating insights into their social behavior, from nesting patterns to communal foraging areas. Researchers can better understand the turtle populations and their role in the marine ecosystem by studying these interactions and social structures.
In conclusion, sea turtles are truly captivating creatures, and ongoing research in California waters sheds new light on their lives. Through the tireless efforts of researchers like Drs. Cali Turner and Andrew Maurer, we are learning more than ever about these ancient marine reptiles. Their work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also helps us develop effective conservation strategies to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
Sponsors:
We thank the sponsors who made this vital research possible: Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown, Stephen and Brenda Olson, Ralph and Hazel Osborn, Lois J. Roork Charitable Trust, and Long Beach Container Terminal.
Join the sea turtle researchers with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center on this exciting journey into the fascinating world of sea turtles. Together, we can ensure the preservation and protection of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
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Source Description
Join sea turtle researchers with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center to learn recent highlights about sea turtles found in California waters (and Oregon and Washington, too). Research takes place from boats, on the shore, in the lab, in the air, and now under the water. Scientists have discovered a lot about these marine reptiles using various techniques in different settings. Find out where these animals go, what they eat, how old they are, and new findings about their social behavior.
Green turtles in the eastern North Pacific Ocean are one of the greatest recovery stories of an endangered species and are now regularly sighted in coastal waters in Southern California. In addition to this population, their talk will feature loggerheads, olive ridleys and the giant leatherbacks.
Dr. Cali Turner Tomaszewicz
Research Biologist, Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program
Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Division
NOAA – Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Cali Turner Tomaszewicz is a Research Biologist at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center in the Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program (MTEAP). Her research focuses on marine turtle life history, demographics, and ecology. She has studied North Pacific loggerhead and olive ridley sea turtles, eastern Pacific green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, and flatback sea turtles in Australia. Marine mammals she has studied include Northern Fur Seals in the Bering Sea and baleen whales in the California Current. Cali began collaborating with MTEAP in 2008 as part of her Master’s research at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), majoring in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Before this, Cali earned a B.A. in Environment, Ecology and Politics from Claremont McKenna College and experienced several jobs before going to SIO for graduate school – including business consulting, outdoor educator and director at a non-profit aquarium, and as a veterinary technician. In 2016, Cali earned a Ph.D. from UCSD’s Biology Division in Ecology, Evolution & Behavior. Cali investigates the movements and population ecology of sea turtles and marine mammals using field-based capture work and lab-based work using chemistry to track habitat use patterns and estimates the age and growth of animals using growth layers found in hard tissues (ex, bones or teeth). Cali has also recently become an FAA-certified Remote Pilot – as research projects using drones for aerial surveys are being more widely used for marine mammal and sea turtle research.
Dr. Andrew Maurer
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program
Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Division
NOAA – Southwest Fisheries Science Center
Andrew Maurer is a National Research Council Postdoctoral Associate within the MTEAP research team at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center. His research combines field methods and statistical approaches to address questions of sea turtle movement, habitat use, and population ecology, with a current focus on green sea turtle foraging populations. Areas of expertise range from biotelemetry to demographic modeling, stable isotope applications, embryonic thermal ecology, and global change. Before joining the NOAA team, Andrew completed his PhD at North Carolina State University. He received his degree in 2021 after completing a doctoral research program focused on hawksbill sea turtle nesting and migratory ecology in the Caribbean, where he continues to maintain close collaborations.
Sponsors:
Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown
Stephen and Brenda Olson
Ralph and Hazel Osborn and Lois J. Roork Charitable Trust
Long Beach Container Terminal
