Meeting Abstract

P3.8  Sunday, Jan. 6  feeding behavior of loggerhead (caretta caretta) and leatherback (dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles: a model to understand bycatch WARRAICH, T.N.*; WYNEKEN, J; Florida Atlantic Univerisity; Florida Atlantic University tnwarraich@gmail.com

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles are two species of sea turtle caught most frequently as bycatch in longline fishing which uses many hooks baited with fish or squid. The leatherback feeds primarily on gelatinous zooplankton while the loggerhead is a carnivore. Hence, the attraction and capture of loggerheads is not surprising but the attraction and capture of leatherbacks is somewhat unexpected. We investigated the responses of these two species to bait odors in controlled laboratory experiments to better understand releasers of feeding behavior. We measured and compared the responses to olfactory cues. Previous studies quantified and compared feeding responses include increased diving, biting, gaping, accelerated or diminished swimming speed, and altered swimming behavior. The two species share some behavioral components but others were species specific. Our comparative study highlights the differences in the two species, unexpected similarities, and suggests aspects of their behavior that may predispose them to accidental capture in fisheries.