![Marine Turtle Genetics Program motif]()
The Marine Turtle Genetics Program identifies population structure using primarily genetic data. Population structure is identified at the evolutionary and demographic levels. The evolutionary level, which is integral to implementing the Endangered Species Act, and the demographic level, which forms the basis for conservation and implementation of sea turtle Recovery Plans. Effective conservation and management efforts of marine turtles rely on accurate identification of population structure at both of these levels.
We integrate our strong expertise in conservation biology, systematics, and population genetics to provide the best information possible to identify population structure. We collaborate closely with the expertise in other research programs, especially the Marine Mammal Genetics Program and Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program.
Research is supported by our state-of-the-art conservation genetics laboratory and genetics tissue archive. The latter houses a continually growing world-wide sample collection enriched by international scientific collaborations. The genetics archive, the genetics laboratory, and the database operated by our group provide the infrastructure necessary to drive the management science and ensure high-quality data for current and future needs. We also develop new molecular techniques and innovative analytical approaches designed specifically to improve capacity to define stock structure and identify management units (MUs) for conservation. The Marine Turtle Genetics Program supports and coordinates regional studies of sea turtle stock structure to ensure that datasets can be combined. We collaborate with numerous research groups in the U.S. and foreign countries to promote a collaborative framework for disseminating information and standardizing protocols across labs. The Marine Turtle Genetics Program has previously had great success establishing and updating rookery databases that are available to the broader research community for both loggerhead turtles (see Shamblin et al. PLOS 2014) and green turtles (see Jensen et al. 2015).
Examples of Stock Structure Studies/Units to Conserve/Endangered Species Act
- Sea Turtle Global Recovery Plans: green turtles, loggerheads, leatherbacks – Distinct Population Segments
- Fine scale Pacific Management Units: green, loggerhead, leatherback, Hawksbill
- Fine scale Atlantic Management Units: leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill )Link - publications)
The Fivemile-Bell habitat restoration project in the Siuslaw watershed in Oregon. Credit: Siuslaw Watershed Council.
Southern Resident killer whales encountered during NOAA's PODs (Pacific Orcinus Distribution Survey) in October 2021 near the west end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Tidal wetlands in the Nisqually River Basin, where restored habitat fosters growth of juvenile salmon and steelhead on their way to the ocean.