Analysis of stranded sea turtles in the North-Western Adriatic Sea

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2001
Authors:Affronte, M., Scaravelli, D.
Journal:Zoology in the Middle East
Volume:24
Pagination:101-108
Date Published:2001
Keywords:Adriatic, distribution, Mediterranean, size, stranded, stranding, temporal, Αδριατική, αδύναμη, κατανομή, μέγεθος, Μεσόγειος, παράπλευρη, χρονική
Abstract:

Through systematic recording of stranded individuals, it was shown that marine turtles regularly occur in the Upper Adriatic Sea. All 443 specimens examined belonged to the Logger-head Turtle, Caretta caretta. The highest numbers are found during the summer months (July-September), the lowest in the cold season. Most individuals are juveniles, suggesting that Loggerheads use the Upper Adriatic Sea primarily as foragoing area until they reach maturity. The northwester Adriatic Sea seems not to play an important role as a wintering and hibernation area, and no important role at all for adults. In 1999, exceptionally high numbers of Loggerhead Turtles were recorded (n = 95); most of them were smaller than 40 cm Curved Carapace Length, and thus smaller than the average of other years. Two Loggerhead Turtles recovered in the Adriatic Sea had been tagged at the nesting grounds at Zakynthos, Greece.

URL:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09397140.2001.10637888
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith