| We studied population characteristics, abundance, and tidally-oriented movements of East Pacific green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Estero Banderitas, a tidal foraging area in Bahia Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Most (98%) individuals captured were juveniles. Turtles remained in the area through seasons and years, indicating this was a developmental foraging area. A mean population size of 333 turtles was estimated using Jolly-Seber method, and turtles were denser than those found at other regional foraging areas.; We measured tidal currents with an Acoustic Doppler Profiler and tracked turtles using GPS-VHF telemetry. Turtles displayed greater vagility and faster rate of movement than at other foraging areas. Tidal speed and direction were highly correlated to turtle speed and direction. Fifteen of 19 tracks had significant vector correlation coefficients. Turtles moved with consecutive tides, indicating unselective tidal stream transport. Results indicate that Estero Banderitas is an ideal location for a community-based sea turtle sanctuary. |
