IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON REPRODUCTION AND MIGRATION OF CHELONIA MYDAS ALONG THE WEST AFRICAN COAST

In an ever-changing world, the sustainable protection of marine biodiversity along the Guinean coast is a necessity. This work focuses on the current situation of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) on Katrack Island in Guinea. The aim of this study is to highlight the current situation of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) on Katrack Island in Guinea. The methodology adopted includes consultation with officials, managers, and fishermen, patrols over a 90-day period, and processing of the collected data. Consultation with officials confirmed the presence of turtles on Katrack Island. Patrols led to the discovery of 33 green turtle nests containing 3,713 eggs, 31 tracks with nests, 13 strandings, 5 accidental captures, one recovered shell, and two tracks without nests. The discovered eggs were transplanted into a monitored enclosure. 2,695 baby turtles hatched after an incubation period of 45 to 60 days. The sex ratio at hatching was 71% female and 29% male. Regarding maturity stages, 64% were sub-adults, 23% adults, and 11% juveniles. These results demonstrate that the Guinean coast is frequently visited by green turtles. However, sustainable protection is necessary to ensure the conservation of this species in the region.