engleski

Marine Turtles in the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea: preliminary research

Preliminary research on Marine Turtles in the eastern part of the Adriatic sea was carried out in cooperation with the Croatian and Slovenian oceanographic institutes, aquariums, and museums. Data presented on 1, 286 specimens are based on literature information, questionnaires and field observations. 57 specimens of the most frequent and quite common Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) were recorded, and 5 specimens of the Leathery Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The only Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) records date from the last century. For 1, 220 specimens identification was made only on the family level (Cheloniidae). According to information from fishermen, three schools of turtles were seen, and in three cases the turtles were recorded on the beach. About 85% of the specimens captured in fishermen's nets were caught by trawlers. Accidental catches of at least 2, 500 specimens throughout the year on the research aquatorium was estimated.

sea turtles; distribution; bycatch; Adriatic Sea

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