Dissertation Research: Connectivity and Intra-Population Structure of Western South Atlantic Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Foraging Populations

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Robert DeSalle DEB- 0407722 DDIG AbstractConnectivity and Intra-Population Structure of Western South Atlantic green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging populationsGenetic methods will be employed to test hypotheses about thedynamics of major Western South Atlantic green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)foraging groups. In this approach major objectives are to: 1) Determinegenetic relationships between the study populations and other regionalgreen turtle breeding and feeding aggregations; and 2) Obtain anunprecedented picture of the mating dynamics and population structure ofthese turtles.The scientific significance of the study derives from otherwiseunobtainable insight into how these turtles move in time and space,relationships of genetic composition of the turtles and key biologicalfactors, and conservation priorities. This information enhances basicknowledge of population structure of these turtles in a key butinadequately researched area, with applications to other species worldwide.In the course of the project, education and training are promoted, andunderrepresented groups from geographically disparate regions are included.In addition, a sustained partnership between scientists in Brazil and theUnited States is expanded, and results are communicated in variouslanguages to diverse audiences. The broader impacts of the research thusinclude benefits from the diversity of participating programs, frequentpresentations and workshops, improved research content and infrastructure,and broad dissemination of results.