The Status of a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Population; Long Bay, St John, US Virgin Islands January-April 1997

Lawrenz, Gloria

Results of observations of a small green sea turtle population in Long Bay, St. John. Includes comments about food preferences, habitat, impact of boat anchors and the presence of tumors on five of the turtles. A small population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), an endangered species, was first observed in November 1996 in Long Bay, St John. An observational study of this population was conducted January - April 1997 to gain information on the status of the turtles inhabiting Long Bay. The study focused on number of turtles present, food preferences and foraging behavior. The effects of boat anchors on food supply and habitat condition were also examined. A relatively stable population of approximately ten turtles was estimated in this location. In addition, the food choice of this population was manatee grass,Syringodium filiforme, although past studies have reported turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum, to be the preferred food choice of green turtles in this area. Boat anchoring did not seem to dramatically affect the habitat of Long Bay; however, future damage to seagrass beds from anchor scars should not be ruled out as a possibility. Fibropapilloma tumors have not previously been found in populations of this area; however, five of the turtles in Long Bay were observed to have small tumors.