Spatial and temporal distributions of sea turtles within the Florida current and surrounding waters

Assessing the spatial and temporal distributions of marine turtles in an open
system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to their migratory nature
and use of large current systems. Concentrations of animals can shift because turtles
undergo large-scale migrations and habitat shifts seasonally as well as a function of lifestage.
Surface counts of marine turtles in waters off Florida’s east coast were made in
and adjacent to the Florida Current using standard aerial surveys. While it is understood
that marine turtles use waters off the eastern coast of Florida, here we document the
magnitude of the shift in turtle presence each season throughout a two year study and
identify habitat characteristics where turtles occur most frequently. Our assessment of
marine turtles in the waters off southeast Florida provide valuable metrics describing the
in-water biology of sea turtles in this area to inform future management strategies of
these endangered species.