engleski

Results of Marine Turtle Research and Conservation Program in Croatia

Three species of marine turtles were recorded for Croatian fauna: loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) as the most common species, green turtle (Chelonia mydas) which last records are dated from the 19th century, and leathery turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), an occasional visitor in Croatian waters. Until 1993 when Adriatic Marine Turtle Program was started in Croatia, there were no other information on marine turtles status, except for a few items of sporadic data in the literature relating to a few records of individual specimens. Furthermore, all three species were without basic legal protection by the State. In preliminary research, data on 1, 286 specimens based on literature information, questionnaires, and field observations were gathered . Incidental catch of at least 2, 500 specimens throughout the year were estimated. Analysis of incidental catch was carried out on 96 specimens, 94 of which were captured in fishermens' nets, mostly by trawlers (66 ex., or 70.2%). Turtles were generally found in deepness of 20 to 50 m (62 specimens) on muddy or sandy sea bottom. Sixty seven specimens (71.3%) were caught during the "winter period" (between November and May), 62 of which by bottom trawling. Although the activity of animals in that period is still unknown, such high percentage of incidental catch of marine turtles during the winter by bottom trawlers indicate the possibility of existence of overwintering areas in some appropriate parts of Adriatic Sea. Thanks to research and public awareness activities of Program, marine turtles are under the legal protection in Croatia from July 12th 1995.

sea turtles; Adriatic; status; threats; conservation

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