Leatherback Sea Turtle

Name/Org : Kathleen Martin, Canadian Sea Turtle Network

Completed

DESCRIPTION The leatherback sea turtle is at risk in Canada because of marine pollution and entanglement. Leatherbacks are one of the largest reptiles in the world, achieving their enormous size on a diet of jellyfish. Leatherbacks migrate thousands of kilometers each year from their nesting grounds in tropical waters to feeding areas of the north in search of this prey. With the help of a network of volunteers, Canadian Sea Turtle Network scientists identified Atlantic Canadian waters as critical habitat for leatherback turtles. This project proposes to monitor leatherback turtle population in waters off Atlantic Canada while also collecting behavioural data from leatherbacks foraging in near-shore areas off Nova Scotia, Canada.