PGS Supports Sea Turtle Satellite Telemetry Project in Brazil

A PGS-backed project is the first Brazilian research to integrate the collection of seismic data with information about sea turtle displacements. Integrated action with research groups is increasing efforts to map and monitor routines and enabling analysis.

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IBAMA, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources has asked for monitoring programs near breeding sites for marine turtles for the past five years. However, although the main breeding and feeding areas have been monitored and managed, little is known about migration routes.

Satellite Telemetry

From January 2014 to January 2015, a PGS-backed monitor survey was carried out using satellite telemetry along the Sergipe/Alagoas (SEAL) sedimentary basin, block SEAL-4-10-11, by PGS Investigação Petrolífera Ltda.

Satellite telemetry is a technique that allows wide monitoring of marine turtles, with the identification of displacement routes and special areas of use. This information is relevant both for understanding the ecology, as well as for impact assessment and definition of protection measures.

A total of 30 transmitters were installed, with 24 placed on olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) and six on loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

Understanding Migration

The results track the migration of the animals from their breeding area in Sergipe to coastal and oceanic areas. This shows extensive use of the Brazilian continental shelf, from the south coast (Santa Catarina) and southeast coast of Brazil to French Guiana, as well as displacements across the Atlantic Ocean to the feeding areas in the equatorial portion of northwestern Africa (Cape Verde Region and Guinea Bissau).

The results have corroborated historical information, and have greatly extended the body of knowledge regarding migration and areas of use of these species. A collection of data on the diving behavior of the turtles is still under analysis.

The map indicates main migration routes and feeding points for sea turtles offshore Brazil and West Africa (click to zoom) 

New Monitoring Initiatives

Following the results of the first studies, new monitoring initiatives have emerged. A fresh research project is being carried out by PGS in Rio Grande do Norte, with 42 transmitters installed on hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and a further new monitoring initiative will implement another 20 transmitters in the Sergipe/Alagoas sedimentary basin later this year.

These studies represent an increase of approximately 280% and 400% in the number of hawksbill sea turtles and olive ridley sea turtles monitored by satellite telemetry.

The continuity of the research will allow a gradual increase in knowledge about these endangered species. A robust database will be established, that will guide spatial evaluations regarding overlapping areas of use of turtles and seismic surveys.

In the future, research on spatial ecology should be integrated with other techniques, such as genetics, stable isotopes and habitat modeling, expanding the possibilities for interpretation and use of information, reducing the knowledge gap regarding the marine life phase of these animals.  

 

Following the release of newly born baby turtles at Tamar in Aracaju, Sergipe, where the Turtles Telemetry Project takes place.