Sea Turtles of the Eastern Pacific

by Seminoff, Jeffrey A.; Wallace, Bryan P.; Pritchard, Peter C. H.

• ISBN13: 9780816511587
• ISBN10: 0816511586
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-06-01
• Publisher: Univ of Arizona Pr

Summary

Sea turtles are flagship species for the world's oceans. They traverse international boundaries during their migrations, serve as vehicles for marine nutrients to terrestrial habitats, and embody the often tenuous relationship between human action and ecosystem health. The East Pacific Ocean is home to some of the most dynamic marine ecosystems, and the most unique sea turtles. Marine biodiversity within this massive ocean region abounds in mangrove estuaries, seagrass pastures, coral reefs, the open ocean, and many other habitats, with sea turtles often the most conspicuous species present. The distinctive traits of the Eastern Pacific have resulted in the smallest leatherbacks, a singular morph of the green turtle, dark and steeply domed olive ridleys, and the most cryptic hawksbills on the planet. Only now are we beginning to understand how these varieties have evolved. However, the oceanographic conditions that make this an epicenter of sea turtle activity also promote massive artisanal and industrial fishing efforts that, coupled with illegal harvesting of eggs and turtles, have led to declines of several turtle populations in the region. The essays and stories in Sea Turtles of the Eastern Pacificdescribe for the first time the history of this exploitation, as well as recent sea turtle conservation initiatives and scientific research in the region. The first third of the book considers the biology of the turtles, focusing on general overviews of current ecological management challenges facing the turtles' survival. The second third treats issues of marine policy related to turtle conservation. In conclusion, the book offers six compelling stories of conservation success. By the end, readers will have gained a in-depth view not only of these magnificent creatures, but also the people involved in research and conservation efforts in one of the most remarkable regions of our planet.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Introduction	p. 1
Sea Turtle Biology and Human Dimensions
Biology and Conservation of Sea Turties in the Eastern Pacific Ocean: A General Overview	p. 11
Sea Turtles in the Tropical High Seas: Climate Variability, Oceanography, and Ecosystem Responses	p. 39
Offshore Oasis: Ecology of Sea Turtles at Oceanic Islands of the Eastern Pacific	p. 63
Sea Turtles of the U.S. West Coast: Life in the Higher Latitudes	p. 88
International management and Policy Frameworks
Fisheries Management off the U.S. West Coast: A Progressive Model for Sea Turtle Conservation	p. 113
No "Silver Bullets" but Plenty of Options: Working with Artisanal Fishers in the Eastern Pacific to Reduce Incidental Sea Turtle Mortality in Longline Fisheries	p. 136
International Instruments: Critical Tools for Conserving Marine Turtles in the Eastern Pacific Ocean	p. 154
Field-Based Conservation and Signs of Success
Leatherbacks in the Balance: Reconciling Human Pressures and Conservation Efforts in Pacific Costa Rica	p. 193
Nesting Beach Conservation in the Mexican Pacific: The Bridge between Sea Turtles and People	p. 224
Saving the Eastern Pacific Hawksbill from Extinction: Last Chance or Chance Lost?	p. 244
Current Conservation Status of the Black Sea Turtle in Michoacán, México	p. 263
Empowering Small-Scale Fishermen to Be Conservation Heroes: A Trinational Fishermen's Exchange to Protect Loggerhead Turdes	p. 279
Interpreting Signs of Olive Ridley Recovery in the Eastern Pacific	p. 302
Appendix	p. 337
About the Editors	p. 357
About the Contributors	p. 358
Index	p. 369
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