Forage and migration habitat of loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ) and olive ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) sea turtles in the central North Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Satellite telemetry from 26 loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ) and 10 olive ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) sea turtles captured and released from pelagic longline fishing gear provided information on the turtles’ position and movement in the central North Pacific. These data together with environmental data from satellite remote sensing are used to describe the oceanic habitat used by these turtles. The results indicate that loggerheads travel westward, move seasonally north and south primarily through the region 28–40°N, and occupy sea surface temperatures (SST) of 15–25°C. Their dive depth distribution indicated that they spend 40% of their time at the surface and 90% of their time at depths

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