Grant: 09-021R
Project Title: Population Structure and Genetic Origin of Hawksbill Turtles in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Project Manager: Michael Bresette
Organization: Inwater Research Group (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $9750.00
Completion Date:

Summary: In the course of ongoing work in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, Inwater Research Group, Inc. has identified areas within the refuge where hawksbill turtles can be reliably found. We will employ hand capture techniques to collect morphometric data and blood and tissue samples on 50 hawksbill turtles from the refuge. These data will be used to determine the size class distribution of this assemblage and, through mtDNA analysis, provide information on the natal beach origin of these turtles. This work is intended to be complementary to work funded by the Sea Turtle License Grant Program on hawksbill turtles found in foraging habitats offshore of Palm Beach County. Additionally, flipper and PIT tagging of captured hawksbills may provide information on movements between the refuge and Palm Beach County.

Results: