ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can negatively affect coastal water quality, aquatic fauna, and human health from the consumption of toxin-contaminated seafood. Estuaries are especially prone to the incidence of these noxious events and sensitive to the associated damage. This study represents a comprehensive overview of previous investigations reporting the occurrence of harmful algae and/or phycotoxins in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (CEP), in Southern Brazil. Secondary data from 2002 to 2021 were combined with new results obtained from widely spaced sampling campaigns performed from 2018 to 2019 to assess the periods and estuarine sectors at greater risk for the incidence of HABs. In total, about 600 water/sediment samples containing harmful microalgae and 675 tissue samples of phycotoxin-contaminated fauna were analyzed. The most frequent and abundant species of potentially toxic microalgae were dinoflagellates belonging to the species complexes Dinophysis acuminata and Prorocentrum lima, producers of diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs), and diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, producers of amnesic shellfish toxins (ASTs). Okadaic acid, a DST, was by far the most common toxin in the fauna, reaching higher levels in primary consumers such as bivalve mollusks (mussels, oysters, and clams), zooplankton, and suspension-feeding crustaceans (ghost shrimps), and moderate to low levels in cephalopods, fishes, gastropods, echinoderms, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans. Less rainy periods (winter-early spring) were associated with the highest incidence of DSTs and blooms of their producing algae P. lima and Dinophysis spp., mainly in the middle region of Paranaguá Bay and on the shallow continental platform adjacent to the estuarine mouth. However, certain HAB-forming species may be more successful in inner estuarine areas ( Prorocentrum cordatum) and during different periods, such as late summer—early fall ( Pseudo-nitzschia spp.). Continuous monitoring of harmful algae and toxins is therefore highly recommended to mitigate the effects of HABs in the entire estuary. (HABs quality toxincontaminated contaminated seafood damage andor or CEP, CEP , (CEP) Brazil 200 202 201 total 60 watersediment sediment 67 phycotoxincontaminated phycotoxin analyzed DSTs, (DSTs) Pseudonitzschia, Pseudonitzschia Pseudo nitzschia, nitzschia ASTs. ASTs . (ASTs) acid DST mussels, mussels (mussels oysters clams, clams clams) zooplankton suspensionfeeding suspension feeding ghost shrimps, shrimps shrimps) cephalopods fishes gastropods echinoderms turtles seabirds cetaceans winterearly winter early spring P spp spp. mouth However HABforming HAB forming cordatum summerearly summer spp.. spp.) estuary (CEP 20 6 (DSTs (ASTs 2

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Caribbean is the second most polluted sea by debris in the world. Urban waste from this region goes to open dumps and 85% of its wastewater is not treated, arriving a great proportion to the beaches. The Guanahacabibes National Park is Biosphere Reserve and the sea turtles that nest on its beaches are on the Red List of threatened species, also there are fish associated with the coral reef and seabirds in the area. Objective: To determine the risk of ecological impact of debris that end on the “El Holandés” beach of the Guanahacabibes National Park on animal biota. Materials and Methods: The collected debris was quantified and classified by type, possible origin and color. The risk of its ecological impact on animal biota was determined. Results and Discussion: The areas to the east of the camp are more contaminated with the presence of marine debris. White and blue plastic predominated (mainly lids and containers); the number of fragments whose function cannot be identified is large. There is a risk that the plastic material may be swallowed by sea turtles, birds and fish by being confused with food or hinder their normal behavior. The presence of sargassum in large quantities is a source of entry of marine debris. Conclusions: The importance of carrying out the systematic collection of marine debris is corroborated, since it is risky for the life of sea turtles, fish and birds. There is a base line for a longitudinal study.

RESUMEN Introducción: El Caribe es el segundo mar más contaminado por basura del mundo. Los residuos urbanos de esta región van a basureros a cielo abierto y el 85% de sus aguas residuales no son tratadas, arribando gran parte de estas a las playas. El Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes de Cuba es Reserva de la Biosfera y las tortugas marinas que anidan en sus playas están en la Lista Roja de especies amenazadas, existiendo peces asociados al arrecife coralino y aves marinas en el área. Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de impacto ecológico de basura recalada en la playa “El Holandés” del Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes sobre la biota animal. Materiales y Métodos: La basura recolectada se cuantificó y clasificó por tipología, posible origen y color. Se determinó el riesgo de su impacto ecológico sobre la biota animal. Resultados y Discusión: Las áreas al este del campamento están más contaminadas. Predomina plástico blanco y azul (fundamentalmente tapas y envases); el número de fragmentos cuya función no fue identificada es grande. Existe riesgo de que el material plástico sea ingerido por tortugas marinas, aves y peces al ser confundidos con alimentos u obstaculice su comportamiento normal. La presencia de sargazo en grandes cantidades es una fuente de entrada de basura marina. Conclusiones: Se corrobora la importancia de realizar la recogida sistemática de basura marina, al ser riesgosa para la vida de tortugas marinas, peces y aves. Se cuenta con una línea base para un estudio longitudinal.

ABSTRACT Plastic pollution has not raised much attention until the 2000s, despite being manufactured for about a century. It is now considered one of the most substantial environmental issues. Here we investigate the presence of plastic contamination in 34 stranded animals on the coast of French Guiana, South America. Here we present information highlighting the magnitude of plastic contamination in marine coastal and pelagic tropical marine vertebrates on the Equatorial Atlantic coast of South America. All four species studied here are protected and emblematic vertebrates of the region, with a fragile conservation status, including the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea, the green turtle Chelonia mydas and the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea, and a small cetacean, the Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis. Macroplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, terephthalate, and polystyrene) were detected in four juvenile green turtles. Microplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, terephthalate, polystyrene, nylon, acrylates, polycarbonates) were found in 13 individuals (two dolphins, six olive ridleys, four green turtles, and the leatherback turtle). The sampled species have different diets, distribution patterns, and ages, suggesting widespread plastic pollution. The study area is located far from the oceanic gyres. However, they are influenced by the North Brazilian Current, the Amazon River, and other rivers of the Guianas.

ABSTRACT Sea turtles are endangered animals that present cosmopolitan distribution. Anthropic actions have been considered important causes for the reduction of sea turtle population, but natural aspects such as parasitism may also contribute to their decline. This study aimed to report the occurrence of parasites in stranded dead sea turtles found in an area known as Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil, from 2010 to 2019. They were identified and classified according to the carapace length. At post-mortem analyses all organs were examined, parasites collected and morphologically identified. Ecological parasitic indexes as prevalence (P), mean intensity (MI) and mean abundance (MA) were calculated. A total of 80 Chelonia mydas and 5 Eretmochelys imbricata were assessed. Neoctangium travassosi was detected in both species presenting P = 20%, MI = 4.19 and MA = 0.84 for C. mydas and P = 60%, MI = 1.67 and MA = 1.0 for E. imbricata. This is the first report of N. travassosi parasitizing E. imbricata in South America. Finally, the retrieval of these parasites is a warning regarding the need for further studies to assess the impact of this parasitism on the health and conservation of sea turtles. distribution population decline Basin Brazil 201 2019 length postmortem post mortem examined P, , (P) (MI (MA calculated 8 assessed 20 20% 419 4 19 4.1 084 0 84 0.8 C 60 60% 167 1 67 1.6 10 1. E N America Finally (P 2 41 4. 08 0. 6 16

RESUMO As tartarugas marinhas são animais ameaçados de extinção que apresentam distribuição cosmopolita. Ações antrópicas têm sido consideradas causas importantes para a redução da população de tartarugas marinhas, mas aspectos naturais, como o parasitismo, também, podem contribuir para o seu declínio. Este estudo objetivou relatar a ocorrência de parasitos em tartarugas marinhas, encalhadas mortas, encontradas em uma área conhecida como Bacia Potiguar, nordeste do Brasil, de 2010 a 2019. Essas foram identificadas e classificadas de acordo com o comprimento da carapaça. Nas análises post mortem, todos os órgãos foram examinados, e os parasitos coletados e identificados morfologicamente. Foram calculados índices parasitários ecológicos, como prevalência (P), intensidade média (IM) e abundância média (AM). Um total de 80 Chelonia mydas e cinco Eretmochelys imbricata foi estudado. Neoctangium travassosi foi detectado em ambas as espécies, apresentando P = 20%, MI = 4,19 e MA = 0,84 para C. mydas e P = 60%, IM = 1,67 e AM = 1,0 para E. imbricata. Este é o primeiro relato de N. travassossi parasitando E. imbricata na América do Sul. Conclui-se que a recuperação desses parasitos soa como um alerta para a necessidade de mais estudos para avaliar o impacto desse parasitismo na saúde e na conservação das tartarugas marinhas. cosmopolita naturais também declínio mortas Potiguar Brasil 201 2019 carapaça mortem examinados morfologicamente ecológicos P, , (P) (IM AM. . (AM) 8 estudado espécies 20 20% 419 4 19 4,1 084 0 84 0,8 C 60 60% 167 1 67 1,6 10 1, E N Sul Concluise Conclui se (P (AM 2 41 4, 08 0, 6 16

ABSTRACT Microplastics are an increasing threat to marine fauna and oceanic habitats, potentially affecting sea turtle nesting beaches. Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are a Critically Endangered species with decreasing population trends. There are several hawksbill rookeries in the southern Caribbean Sea, particularly on Los Garzos Beach, the main nesting site of continental Venezuela. A preliminary physical analysis of microplastics sampled from 10 sites on Los Garzos Beach reported high numbers (94 ± 2.5 items) of 14 different materials and colors. Microplastic counts at 10 sites averaged 1504 ± 405.61 items m−2, higher than other sea turtle nesting sites worldwide. There were no statistical differences in the concentration of microplastics at the sampled sites of Los Garzos Beach. However, the concentration of microplastics on this beach is higher at the midpoint of the falling tide (3520 ± 405.61 items m−2) and the top of the sea turtle nesting area (3840 ± 405.61 items m−2). We speculate that this debris could harm the nesting environment of hawksbill sea turtles in the region. While this study presents preliminary values for microplastics in an important hawksbill turtle nesting beach in Venezuela, it also serves as a baseline for long-term studies that can help determine the impact and sources of plastic pollution in sea turtle rookeries.

ABSTRACT: Spirorchidiasis is one of the most common diseases in green turtles. Eggs and the adult form of trematodes are mainly found in the heart, liver, lung, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. The present study aimed to describe the pathological aspects of Spirorchiidae trematode infection in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro. The current study was based on the necropsy of 99 green turtles (Chelonia mydas, Chelonidae) from April to December 2021. Epidemiological data were obtained from the Aquatic Biota Monitoring Information System (SIMBA). A histopathological examination was performed at the “Setor de Anatomia Patológica” (SAP) from “Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro” (UFRuralRJ). Tissue fragments (buccal papilla, esophagus, trachea, lung, heart, kidney, bladder, stomach, liver, spleen, intestines, gonads, adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, salt glands, muscle, and skin) were sampled for histological examination. The green turtles had lesions compatible with parasitic infection in 89% (88/99) cases. Out of 88 turtles, 87 were juveniles (99%), 75% (66/88) were females, and 25% (22/88) were males. Adult parasites and their eggs were found to cause granulomatous tissue reactions in 14% (12/88) of turtles. Egg-associated granulomatous inflammation was found in 86% (76/88) of the turtles. The organs with the highest number of egg-associated granulomas in order of occurrence were: the spleen, small intestine, adrenal gland, pancreas, and lungs. The adult trematodes were observed in histological lesions in order of occurrence, mainly in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Out of the total number of turtles parasitized, 33% (29/88) of deaths occurred due to multiple causes such as fractures, interaction with fishing, predation, and fibropapillomas. The other 67% (59/88) presented multisystemic granulomatous disease caused by Spirorchiidae infection as a cause of death. Evidence is presented that spirorchidiasis is highly prevalent in young green turtles, is responsible for extensive chronic lesions, and responsible for significant debilitation and mortality. ABSTRACT heart liver lung spleen tract Chelonia mydas Basin Janeiro 9 Chelonidae 2021 SIMBA. SIMBA . (SIMBA) Setor Patológica SAP (SAP Universidade UFRuralRJ. UFRuralRJ (UFRuralRJ) buccal papilla esophagus trachea kidney bladder stomach intestines gonads thyroid pancreas glands muscle skin 89 88/99 8899 (88/99 cases 8 99%, 99% , (99%) 75 66/88 6688 66 (66/88 females 25 22/88 2288 22 (22/88 males 14 12/88 1288 12 (12/88 Eggassociated Egg associated 86 76/88 7688 76 (76/88 eggassociated egg intestine gland lungs parasitized 33 29/88 2988 29 (29/88 fractures fishing predation fibropapillomas 67 59/88 5988 59 (59/88 death mortality 202 (SIMBA (UFRuralRJ 88/9 889 (88/9 (99% 7 66/8 668 6 (66/8 2 22/8 228 (22/8 1 12/8 128 (12/8 76/8 768 (76/8 3 29/8 298 (29/8 59/8 598 5 (59/8 20 88/ (88/ (99 66/ (66/ 22/ (22/ 12/ (12/ 76/ (76/ 29/ (29/ 59/ (59/ (88 (9 (66 (22 (12 (76 (29 (59 (8 ( (6 (2 (1 (7 (5

RESUMO: A espirorquidíase é uma das doenças mais comuns em tartarugas verdes. Os ovos e a forma adulta dos trematódeos são encontrados principalmente no coração, fígado, pulmão, baço e trato gastrointestinal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os aspectos patológicos da infecção por trematódeos Spirorchiidae em tartarugas verdes (Chelonia mydas) na Bacia de Campos, Rio de Janeiro. O presente trabalho foi baseado na necropsia de 99 tartarugas verdes (Chelonia mydas, Chelonidae) no período de abril a dezembro de 2021. Os dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Monitoramento da Biota Aquática (SIMBA). Realizou-se exame histopatológico no Setor de anatomia Patológica (SAP) da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRuralRJ). Os fragmentos de tecidos (papila bucal, esôfago, traqueia, pulmão, coração, rim, bexiga, estômago, fígado, baço, intestinos, gônadas, adrenal, tireoides, pâncreas, glândulas de sal, músculo e pele) foram coletados e fixados em formalina a 10% tamponada, processados rotineiramente para exame histológico. Em 89% (88/99) dos casos, as tartarugas-verdes apresentaram lesões compatíveis com infecção parasitária. Das 88 tartarugas, 87 eram jovens (99%), 75% (66/88) correspondiam a fêmeas, 25% (22/88) a machos. Em 14% (12/88) das tartarugas foram encontrados parasitas adultos e seus ovos causando inflamação granulomatosa. Em 86,4% (76/88) das tartarugas foram encontradas lesões granulomatosas associadas aos ovos dos trematódeos. Os órgãos com maior quantidade de granulomas associados a ovos foram: baço, intestino delgado, adrenal, pâncreas e pulmões. Trematódeos adultos foram principalmente observados nas lesões histológicas, em ordem de ocorrência, no esôfago, estômago e intestino delgado. Do total de tartarugas parasitadas, 33% (29/88) das mortes ocorreram em consequência de múltiplas causas como fraturas, interação com pesca, predação e fibropapilomas. As outras 67% (59/88) apresentaram como causa de morte a doença granulomatosa multissistêmica causada pela infecção por trematódeo da família Spirorchiidae. São apresentadas evidências de que a espiroquidiase é altamente prevalente em tartarugas verdes jovens no Rio de Janeiro, responsável por extensas lesões crônicas, quadro clínico de debilidade e mortalidade significativas. RESUMO coração fígado pulmão gastrointestinal Chelonia mydas Campos 9 Chelonidae 2021 SIMBA. SIMBA . (SIMBA) Realizouse Realizou se SAP (SAP UFRuralRJ. UFRuralRJ (UFRuralRJ) papila bucal esôfago traqueia rim bexiga intestinos gônadas adrenal tireoides sal pele 10 tamponada histológico 89 88/99 8899 (88/99 casos tartarugasverdes parasitária 8 99%, 99% , (99%) 75 66/88 6688 66 (66/88 fêmeas 25 22/88 2288 22 (22/88 machos 14 12/88 1288 12 (12/88 864 86 4 86,4 76/88 7688 76 (76/88 delgado pulmões histológicas ocorrência parasitadas 33 29/88 2988 29 (29/88 fraturas pesca fibropapilomas 67 59/88 5988 59 (59/88 crônicas significativas 202 (SIMBA (UFRuralRJ 1 88/9 889 (88/9 (99% 7 66/8 668 6 (66/8 2 22/8 228 (22/8 12/8 128 (12/8 86, 76/8 768 (76/8 3 29/8 298 (29/8 59/8 598 5 (59/8 20 88/ (88/ (99 66/ (66/ 22/ (22/ 12/ (12/ 76/ (76/ 29/ (29/ 59/ (59/ (88 (9 (66 (22 (12 (76 (29 (59 (8 ( (6 (2 (1 (7 (5

Anthropogenic noise in the oceans, including from shipping and seismic surveys, is of concern as it often adversely impacts marine life and biodiversity. It is considered to be the number-one ocean pollutant today. The authors review major international legal instruments regarding underwater noise as a marine pollutant and examine them in the South African context. The authors find, inter alia, that a distinction between substance-based pollution (such as chemical pollution) and energy-based pollution (such as noise) is currently lacking. It is also found that very little literature is available on the impacts of shipping and seismic noise on small fish, turtles and cetaceans, a state of affairs that calls for a precautionary approach. It is recommended: (1) South African legal instruments that regulate underwater noise should be revised and aligned with international legal frameworks; (2) more scientific research should be conducted on the cumulative impacts of shipping and seismic surveys on the South African marine environment; and (3) the public participation process should be effectively monitored to ensure full compliance with the requirement to consult all affected and interested persons. Doing so would have wider implications for developments in the western Indian Ocean region regarding shipping, port construction and seismic explorations.

Resumen. Aunque algunos estudios han identificado parásitos en tortugas verdes (Chelonia mydas), poco se sabe sobre la morfología de los huevos de helmintos en las heces de estos animales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar morfológicamente huevos de helmintos recuperados en exámenes coproparasitológicos por sedimentación y analizar su relación con especies de helmintos recuperados durante la necropsia de ejemplares juveniles de C. mydas. Se encontraron e identificaron 4 morfotipos de huevos distintos, clasificados como trematodos digenéticos de las familias Microscaphidiidae, Cladorchiidae y Spirorchiidae. Hubo diversidad morfológica en el tamaño de los huevos medidos directamente en los parásitos adultos, con tamaños que variaron de 19.07 a 99.28 μm de largo y 11.35 a 45.66 μm de ancho. La observación de huevos en exámenes coproparasitológicos es importante para el estudio de la ecología de los parásitos de las tortugas marinas, ya que el ciclo de vida de algunas especies aún no es completamente entendido.

Abstract. Although some studies have identified parasites in green turtles (Chelonia mydas), little is known about the morphology of helminth eggs in the feces of these animals. The aim of this study was to morphologically characterize helminth eggs recovered in coproparasitological exams by sedimentation and to analyze their relationship with helminth species recovered during necropsy of juvenile specimens of C. mydas. Four different egg morphotypes were found, identified, and classified as digenetic trematodes of the families Microscaphidiidae, Cladorchiidae, and Spirorchiidae. There was morphological diversity in the size of the eggs measured directly in adult parasites, with sizes ranging from 19.07 to 99.28 μm in length and from 11.35 to 45.66 μm in width. The observation of eggs on coproparasitological exams is important for studying the ecology of sea turtle parasites, since the life cycle of some species is not yet fully understood.

ABSTRACT Research on olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) has emphasized egg-laying females and neonates, using data collected on nesting beaches, but no systematic studies on morphological characteristics by size and sex have been published. This research describes the morphometry of free-living olive ridley sea turtles from coastal and oceanic waters of the Mexican Central Pacific captured and released from 2011 through 2013. A total of 3469 km was surveyed, and 142 sea turtles were evaluated by sex, size class, marine area, and geographic region for nine corporal measurements and their allometric relationships. The average curved carapace length (CCL) was 62.12 cm, range 42-94 cm. Significant differences were found by sex and size class with total tail length (TTL) (♂ = 26.33 cm, ♀ = 12.4 cm); similarly with vent to tail tip length (VTTL) (♂ = 6.38 cm, ♀ = 3.86 cm); and for rear flipper length (RFL) (♂ = 28.17 cm, ♀ = 38.62 cm, immatures = 23.80 cm). Turtles from the coastal region of Colima-Michoacán showed longer CCL = 62.46 cm and wider CW = 66.58 cm. Adult female RFLs showed positive allometry, b = 1.098, suggesting an accelerated growth of the posterior extremities, probably favoring reproductive behaviors, e.g. nest digging and egg-covering. Morphological differences were likely due to ontogenetic sexual distinctions rather than marine area or geographic differences.

ABSTRACT The first record of the epibiont cirripedium of sea turtles, Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758), is described for northern Chile (the second record for the species in the country), extending the distribution of this species by almost 10 latitudinal degrees (about 1020 km), and filling a gap in its geographic range in the southeastern Pacific.

RESUMEN Se describe el primer registro del cirripedio epibionte de tortugas marinas, Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758), para el norte de Chile (el segundo registro para la especie en el país), extendiendo la distribución de esta especie en casi 10 grados latitudinales (alrededor de 1020 km), y llenando un vacío en su rango geográfico en el Pacífico suroriental.

Resumen: Antecedentes y Objetivos: La restauración ecológica se ha centrado en los componentes físicos y vegetales de los ecosistemas, y ha dejado de lado a la fauna silvestre y sus interacciones. Chelonia mydas es un macroherbívoro en peligro de extinción que anida en playas de México y Cuba, e influye en la vegetación costera con aportaciones de materia orgánica. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar su recuperación poblacional, un índice del verdor de la vegetación de duna, así como la cantidad de materia orgánica estimada de sus nidadas antes y después de la implementación de una Norma Oficial Mexicana. Métodos: Se analizaron datos de entre dos y tres décadas de monitoreo biológico en 16 playas de anidación de Chelonia mydas; a partir de ellos se realizaron tres niveles de análisis de indicadores demográficos, la aportación de materia orgánica de las tortugas en la playa y el vigor vegetal a partir de sensores remotos, además de aplicar los estadísticos pertinentes. Resultados clave: Hubo un crecimiento exponencial del número de anidaciones de tortuga verde (entre 12 y 14% anual), asociado con pulsos de reclutamiento poblacional en los años 2000 y 2008. El aporte de materia orgánica a la playa fue significativamente mayor después de un cambio en la estrategia para manejo de las nidadas en México, y se detectó un incremento en el verdor de la vegetación de duna en zonas de anidación alta de Chelonia mydas. Conclusiones: El incremento de las poblaciones de tortuga verde lleva a reflexionar acerca de las implicaciones que tiene la recuperación de especies de fauna sobre otras comunidades en los ecosistemas que habitan, lo que demanda el análisis de los paradigmas actuales y la adaptación de estrategias que atiendan sus necesidades de manejo, procurando las condiciones de integridad ecológica de sus hábitats.

Abstract: Background and Aims: Ecological restoration has focused on the physical and vegetation components of ecosystems, leaving aside studies on wild fauna and their interactions. Chelonia mydas is an endangered macroherbivore that nests on sandy beaches of Mexico and Cuba, and influences the coastal vegetation with organic matter contributions. The objectives of this study were to analyze its population recovery, a greenness index for dune vegetation, and the amount of organic matter estimated from its clutches before and after the implementation of an official Mexican norm. Methods: Biological data obtained from two and three decades of monitoring 16 Chelonia mydas nesting beaches were analyzed; based on these, three levels of demographic indexes were carried out, the contribution of organic matter by marine turtles to the beach and the vegetal vigor using remote sensing, besides implementing the pertinent statistical analysis. Key results: There was an exponential increase of the green turtle nests (between 12 and 14% per year), associated with population recruitment pulses in 2000 and 2008. The contribution of organic matter to the beach was significantly higher after a change in clutches management in Mexico, and an increase in the dune vegetation greenness was detected in high Chelonia mydas nesting zones. Conclusions: The increase of the green turtle populations invites to reflex about the implications of the recovery of species of fauna have on other communities in the ecosystems they inhabit, demanding the analysis of the actual paradigms and the adaptation strategies that attend their management needs, procuring the ecological integrity conditions of their habitats.

ABSTRACT: Sea turtles naturally have gastrointestinal microbiota; however, opportunistic behavior and pathogenicity of some bacteria have also been reported. Therefore, it is important to generate information on possible risks to turtles and human health. Five monthly field monitoring were carried out with captures of Chelonia mydas in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon complex. Physical examinations were performed and their morphometries were recorded; oral and cloacal swabs were made and sowing in McConkey and TCBS culture media. Bacterial agents were isolated and identified using the API®20E system. Turtles’ body condition index and percentages of abundance and prevalence of each microorganism were calculated. Finally, the ratio between turtle s’ size and the presence of microorganisms was determined. Many Chelonia mydas (178) were captured, 523 isolates of gram-negative Enterobacteria from seven different species were obtained; the presence of proteobacteria in Chelonia mydas was not related to their age class. Among the microorganisms found, Vibrio fluvialis and Burkholderia cepacia are zoonotic. These studies allow us understanding the role of microorganisms in diseases of wild populations and risks to public health associated with their illegal consumption.

RESUMEN: Las tortugas marinas poseen naturalmente microbiota gastrointestinal, sin embargo, también se ha reportado el comportamiento oportunista y patogenicidad de algunas bacterias en estas especies. Por lo tanto, es importante generar información sobre los posibles riesgos para las tortugas y la salud humana. Se realizaron cinco monitoreos mensuales con capturas de Chelonia mydas en el complejo lagunar Ojo de Liebre. Se les practicaron exámenes físicos y se registraron sus morfometrías y se calculó su índice de condición corporal; se realizaron hisopados orales y cloacales que se sembraron en medios McConkey y TCBS. Los agentes bacterianos se aislaron e identificaron mediante el sistema API®20E. Se calcularon los porcentajes de abundancia y prevalencia de cada microorganismo. Finalmente, se determinó la relación entre la talla de las tortugas y la presencia de los microorganismos. Se capturaron 178 Chelonia mydas, se obtuvieron 523 aislamientos de enterobacterias gramnegativas de siete especies diferentes; la presencia de proteobacterias en Chelonia mydas no se relacionó con su clase de edad. Dentro de los microorganismos encontrados, Vibrio fluvialis y Burkholderia cepacia son zoonóticos. Estos estudios permiten comprender el papel de los microorganismos en las enfermedades de las poblaciones silvestres y los riesgos para la salud pública asociados a su consumo ilegal.

Resumo: Este estudo permitiu o monitoramento de ninhos de tartarugas marinhas em uma região conhecida como Bacia Potiguar, que se estende da região norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (5 ° 4’1,15 “S, 36 ° 4’36,41” W) até o leste do Estado do Ceará (4 ° 38’48,28 “S, 37 ° 32’52,08” W), no Brasil. Coletamos dados de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2019 com o objetivo de identificar as espécies de tartarugas marinhas que desovam na bacia, analisar o padrão espaço-temporal de nidificação, as características dos ninhos, e registrar os efeitos de fatores ambientais e antrópicos. Uma equipe de campo examinou rastros de tartarugas marinhas e sinais de ninhos. As ninhadas das tartarugas foram monitoradas diariamente até que os filhotes emergissem dos ninhos. Monitoramos ninhos de tartarugas-de-pente (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) e tartarugas-oliva (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). A época de nidificação para E. imbricata ocorreu entre dezembro e maio e para L. olivacea de março a agosto. Tartarugas-de-pente apresentaram maior tamanho das ninhadas, tempo de incubação, número de ovos não eclodidos e número de filhotes mortos quando comparado com tartarugas-oliva; no entanto, apresentaram menor sucesso de eclosão. Precipitação entre 0 e 22 mm e umidade relativa (UR) maior que 69% aumentaram a taxa de sucesso de eclosão para E. imbricata; entretanto, chuvas acima de 11 mm e UR 64% tiveram o mesmo efeito para L. olivacea. Sinais de roubo de ovos e presença humana (por exemplo, tráfego de veículos e resíduos de plástico na praia) foram registrados e são considerados ameaças aos ninhos. Os resultados do nosso estudo de monitoramento de longo prazo na Bacia Potiguar fornecem base para a implementação de medidas de mitigação e adoção de políticas públicas em praias de desova nesta região brasileira.

Abstract: This study monitored marine turtle nests in a region known as the Potiguar Basin, which stretches from the northern region of Rio Grande do Norte State (5°4’1.15” S, 36°4’36.41” W) to eastern Ceará State (4°38’48.28” S, 37°32’52.08” W) in Brazil. We collected data from January 2011 to December 2019 to identify species of sea turtles that spawn in the basin, to analyze the nesting spatial-temporal pattern and nests characteristics, and to record effects of environmental and anthropic factors on nests. A field team examined sea turtle tracks and nests signs. Turtle clutches were monitored daily until hatchings emerged from the nests. We monitored nests of hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata; n = 238) and olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea; n = 103). The nesting season for E. imbricata occurred between December and May and for L. olivacea from March to August. Hawksbills had clutch size, incubation time, number of unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings higher than olive Ridley turtles; nevertheless, they presented lower hatching success. Precipitation between 0 and 22 mm and relative humidity (RH) higher than 69% increased the hatching success rate for E. imbricata; however, rainfall above 11 mm and RH 64% had the same effect for L. olivacea. Signs of egg theft and human presence (e.g. vehicle traffic and plastic residues on the beach) were recorded and are considered threats to nests. The results of our long-term monitoring study in the Potiguar Basin provide basis for the implementation of mitigation measures and adoption of management policies at nesting beaches in this Brazilian region.

Green sea turtles are one of the two species of marine turtles known to nest in the Maldives. The prevalent time of nesting seems to be inconsistent throughout the island nation. In this study, sea turtle nesting activity was monitored on the island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll over a period of 12 months. A total of 13 nests were confirmed with a median hatching success rate of 89.58% as ascertained by nest excavation. In one of the nests, a severely deformed hatchling with polycephaly, an opening in the neck area and a lordotic spine was found, and we investigated in detail with radiographic images and a necropsy. Our findings support the importance of consistent nesting activity and nest monitoring efforts in the country as a basis for conservation efforts.

Resumen Introducción: La determinación del sexo en tortugas marinas depende de la temperatura. El aumento de la temperatura global conlleva a temperaturas más altas en los nidos, lo cual puede provocar un predominio de las hembras, amenazando el futuro de estas especies. Objetivo: El presente trabajo busca evaluar la tendencia de las temperaturas y los períodos de incubación, así como estimar la proporción sexual en nidos de Chelonia mydas,en las playas Antonio y La Barca, suroeste de Cuba, durante las temporadas del 2012 al 2018. Métodos: Se colocaron sensores para registrar la temperatura en los nidos de esta especie con una representatividad que varió entre los años analizados. Para evaluar la variación temporal de las temperaturas y los periodos de incubación, se realizó una prueba de Kruskal-Wallis en cada caso. Las estimaciones de las proporciones sexuales se realizaron a partir de la temperatura y duración de la incubación. Resultados: En playa La Barca, hubo un incremento de 1.5 °C en la temperatura promedio del nido del 2012 al 2018, aunque no se encontraron diferencias en el periodo de 2015-2018. En playa Antonio, no hay tendencia ya que no se encontraron diferencias en la temperatura promedio del nido, excepto para el 2013 y 2017, los cuales tuvieron temperaturas menores que en las otras temporadas. En ambas playas la temperatura promedio del nido excedió 30 °C en la mayoría de los años. Como resultado, hubo un predominio de nidos con periodos de incubación inferiores a 55 días. Con estos valores, se espera una producción de hembras en las crías superior al 90 % en ambos sitios de estudio. Conclusiones: En correspondencia con los valores de temperatura y periodo de incubación registrados, la mayoría de los años refleja una producción de crías sesgada hacia las hembras en ambas playas.

Abstract Introduction: Sea turtles have temperature dependent sex determination. The increase in global temperature leads to higher nest temperatures that can cause a prevalence of females, threatening the future of these species. Objective: The present work aims to evaluate the trend of incubation temperatures and the incubation period, as well as to estimate the sex ratio in nests of Chelonia mydas at Antonio and La Barca beaches, Southwestern Cuba, during the seasons from 2012 to 2018. Methods: Temperature data loggers were placed in green turtle nests with a representativeness that varied between the years analyzed. To assess the temporal variation of temperatures and incubation periods, a Kruskal-Wallis test was performed in each case. Sex ratio was estimated from its relation with temperature and incubation duration. Results: At La Barca beach, there was a 1.5 °C increase in the mean nest temperature from 2012 to 2018, although no differences were found in the period from 2015 to 2018. At Antonio beach, there is no trend since no differences were found in the mean nest temperature except for the years 2013 and 2017, which had lower temperatures than the other seasons. In both beaches mean nest temperature exceeded 30 °C in most of the years. As a result, there was a predominance of nests with incubation periods shorter than 55 days. With these values, a female hatchling production over 90 % is expected in both study sites. Conclusions: In correspondence with the registered temperature and incubation period values, most of the years reflect a hatchling production biased towards females in both beaches.