Biology and conservation of loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in the Gulf of Manfredonia

Loggerhead sea turtle distribution and interaction with fisheries are still poorly known, especially in the Gulf of Manfredonia (GoM) which has recently been recognized as an important neritic foraging ground. This thesis aims to address knowledge gaps concerning loggerhead turtles’ biology, interaction with fisheries, and effectiveness of mitigation measures, with a specific focus on the Gulf and the Adriatic in general. These findings will inform future conservation priorities that will benefit the Mediterranean population of loggerhead turtles. Specifically, this PhD project aims to I. Improve current knowledge about sea turtle fine spatial distribution within the GoM and assess connectivity with other foraging areas of the Adriatic and elsewhere; II. Improve current knowledge about the utilization of the Adriatic neritic foraging ground by the loggerhead sea turtle, in terms of movement patterns and home ranges; III. Improve current knowledge about interaction with fisheries in the GoM and its conservation implications; IV. Assess the effectiveness of available mitigating measures aimed to reduce mortality of turtles caught by bottom trawlers. This research significantly advances our understanding of Mediterranean loggerhead turtle biology and conservation. By combining various methodologies, it addresses key questions about turtle distribution, population dynamics, and fisheries interactions, balancing the limitations of different techniques. Ultimately, this work refocuses biological aspects for conservation purposes and establishes a foundation for developing feasible conservation measures.