May 15, 2003
The Marine Science and Conservation Department of the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) is continuing with its project to look at the breeding and nesting habits of the green marine turtle Chelonia mydas. For the second consecutive year, four of the main nesting sites have been monitored. In addition, in 2003 two satellite transmitters were installed on two turtles at Bahía Barahona (Isabela) and a further two on two turtles at Las Salinas (Baltra). The turtles chosen were female, with carapaces of approximately 80cm and had nested more than once during the current season. The installation of the transmitters was done at night and after the eggs had been laid so as not to disturb the turtles.
So far, it has been discovered that one of the females moves between Barahona and San Cristóbal; one only moves around Las Salinas and the Daphnes and the other two are moving south. It is hoped that the turtles moving south won't be caught on long lines when they reach international waters. The information collected will allow us to learn more about the migration of females, their population status and to monitor the life of the marine turtles which nest on the islands
Press Contact:
Charles Darwin Research Station
Galapagos-Ecuador
E-mail: cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec
Visit: www.darwinfoundation.org
Phone/Fax: 593-5-526-147/146