A groundbreaking study published in *Endangered Species Research* highlights critical habitats and migration patterns of green and hawksbill turtles nesting in Montserrat, Eastern Caribbean. This research provides the first detailed insights into the spatial ecology of these turtles, emphasizing the importance of local and regional conservation efforts.
Conducted by an international team, including scientists from the University of Exeter, Montserrat’s Fisheries and Ocean Governance Unit, and the Marine Conservation Society, the study tracked nine green turtles (*Chelonia mydas*) and one hawksbill turtle (*Eretmochelys imbricata*) using satellite transmitters. The turtles were monitored during their nesting season at four beaches on Montserrat’s western coast in August 2021.
Key Findings:
Critical Habitats: Two primary inter-nesting areas were identified along Montserrat’s western coast, which could be prioritized for marine spatial protection.
Migratory Patterns: Turtles exhibited extensive transboundary migrations post-nesting, crossing up to 10 national jurisdictions and traveling distances between 45 and 1,013 kilometers. Destinations included foraging grounds in Antigua and Barbuda, the United States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Guadeloupe.
Foraging Grounds: Green turtles primarily utilized shallow waters (≤25 meters) with habitats including sand, seagrass, and hardbottom algal areas, while the hawksbill turtle spent time in both shallow and slightly deeper zones (up to 50 meters).
Protected Area Usage: During migrations and foraging, turtles spent only 22–24% of their time within designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), underscoring the need for expanded conservation zones.
Legal and Conservation Context: Montserrat’s Turtles Act (revised in 2002) regulates turtle harvesting and includes a closed season to protect nesting adults. However, the island lacks MPAs specifically designed for marine turtle conservation. The findings support the proposed refinement of local conservation regulations and marine spatial planning initiatives.
The study emphasises the role of satellite tracking in filling knowledge gaps about marine turtle ecology, enabling tailored conservation measures. With the findings, Montserrat has a unique opportunity to bolster its conservation framework and contribute to the regional efforts to safeguard these endangered species.
Read the report here.
