Hawksbill Turtle Project

While recent studies have shown that MCEs host rich biodiversity and endemic species, our knowledge on the functioning and importance of these ecosystems for other species is limited. For example, the importance of MCEs as foraging grounds for marine megafauna, such as sharks, turtles and marine mammals, is largely unknown.

Using extensive satellite tracking data from hawksbill turtles foraging at mesophotic depths (~30-150 m) in the Indian Ocean, we will make targeted deployments to identify the key habitat features that make these depths the preferred foraging site for this critically endangered species. Using a Deep Trekker PIVOT ROV, we will survey specific sites along the outer edge of the Seychelles platform between ~30-150 m and assess the importance of these areas as turtle feeding grounds.

A CTD will also be used to measure environmental variables over the full-depth gradient at these sites to understand the role of environmental conditions in these key foraging areas.

This project would suit a vessel cruising the Seychelles or a local catamaran/ sailing boat involved in ocean conservation.

The following activities will be conducted onboard the vessel:

1. ROV deployments up to a depth of 150 m to collect benthic video data – one survey per site (2-3 hour duration).

2. CTD deployments up to a depth of 150 m to collect environmental data (temperature and salinity).