Hawksbill turtles in Korean waters: Occurrence records, tracking, and conservation considerations

Abstract The hawksbill turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata ), one of the most endangered sea turtle species, faces numerous conservation challenges in its northernmost range in Korean waters. Between 2008 and 2024, 16 injured or dead hawksbill turtles were recorded, with a subset rehabilitated and released. Post‐release tracking revealed three distinct movement patterns: remaining near Jeju Island, traveling to Japan, or migrating southward along the Chinese coast. Notably, one individual reached Hainan Island, located at the southernmost tip of China and about 2,200 km from the release site on Jeju Island, highlighting a potential corridor linking northern and southern populations. This study underscores the heightened vulnerability of hawksbill turtles to bycatch compared to other sea turtle species and emphasizes the need for enhanced fisheries management. We propose adjusting release strategies to improve migration success, recommending offshore release west of Jeju Island to utilize prevailing ocean currents. However, restoration effectiveness remains uncertain, necessitating ongoing monitoring and adaptive conservation measures. Given the transboundary nature of sea turtle habitats, international collaboration is crucial for conservation success. This study addresses a critical research gap in the conservation strategies of hawksbill turtles in marginal habitats, offering insights into population restoration methods amid changing oceanic conditions.