Bj. Godley et al., PATTERNS OF MARINE TURTLE MORTALITY IN BRITISH WATERS (1992-1996) WITH REFERENCE TO TISSUE CONTAMINANT LEVELS, Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 78(3), 1998, pp. 973-984
Mortality patterns of marine turtles entangled in fishing gear, found
dead at sea or stranded dead on and around the coast of Britain in the
period 1992-1996 are described. Of a total of 38 dead turtles identif
ied, 35 were leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and three were
loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). All D. coriacea were considered
adults or subadults nearing sexual maturity. Six individuals were ass
essed as females, ten were classified as males and 19 were not sexed.
Dermochelys coriacea (N=20 measured) ranged from 120 to 210 cm in curv
ed carapace length (mean, 152 cm). The three C. caretta were juveniles
, and ranged from 15 to 30 cm curved carapace length. Possible origins
, causes of mortality and interactions with fisheries are discussed. I
n addition, contaminant levels were determined in the tissues of three
D. coriacea. Concentrations of organic contaminants determined were f
ound to be low.