Sea Turtle Ecology and Population Dynamics

Five species of sea turtles are found in the Atlantic Ocean along the Northeast United States. Loggerheads are most common, followed by leatherback, green, Kemp's ridley, and rarely hawksbills.   The waters of the Greater Atlantic Region serve as important foraging and developmental areas for juvenile and adult sea turtles. As water temperatures warm in the spring, sea turtles begin to migrate northward, arriving in Virginia waters as early as April.  The migration is reversed in the fall as water temperatures cool.

The Sea Turtle Ecology and Population Dynamics Group at the NEFSC is tasked with in collecting information from sea turtles, analyzing data, and building statistical and simulation models to better understand the ecology of sea turtles in our region. Ultimately we seek to provide the science needed to support sound sea turtle management plans.

We partner closely with other organizations to accomplish shared goals.