Effective management of marine turtle data is essential to maximize their research value and enable timely population assessments and recovery monitoring. To provide such capabilities at the National Marine Fisheries Service, a comprehensive Turtle Data Processing System (TDPS, formally called Marine Turtle Data Management System) was created. The system was written in DBase III and Clipper and implemented on IBM/PC-compatible computers running under MS-DOS. As of 2003, TDPS was upgraded into Microsoft Access. The TDPS is modular, supporting data of various types. Cross-referencing and multiple-encounter analysis are enabled through a core database file of individual turtle identifications, based on uniquely-inscribed flipper tags and passive-integrative transponder tags.

A survey was conducted in 2013 by NOAA Fisheries Mississippi Labs and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) to collect data on angler fishing practices and sea turtle interactions. The survey was conducted as a pilot project from June-September at six different access points that were selected based on prior history of incidental captures and location so that surveys were conducted in all three coastal counties. Participating anglers were asked general questions about fishing practices such as typical fishing times and locations, and type of hook and bait used. They were also asked if they had caught or observed the capture of a sea turtle in the last 12 months and the outcome of the capture.

The Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Survey, conducted by the Conservation Ecology Branch at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, develops abundance and distribution models that incorporate environmental factors to better understand how protected species such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles use our waters. The program coordinates the data collection and analysis efforts of NOAA Fisheries Northeast and Southeast Science Centers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Birds. Through these efforts, we are providing enhanced data to managers and supporting conservation initiatives.

The objectives of this project are to use novel satellite tracking methods to provide improved estimation of threats at foraging areas and along migration routes for oceanic stage sea turtles in the Northeast Distant Region of the Atlantic Ocean (NED) and to characterize the in-water habitats used by small, oceanic stage loggerheads (Caretta caretta) so that we better understand the features that likely define their nursery habitats and the potential risks and hazards to the smallest life stages of sea turtle. To accomplish these objectives, our strategy included collaborating with cooperative fishermen in the NED to capture and satellite tag small (30 cm length) loggerhead sea turtles. Using novel satellite telemetry techniques, we were to identify the fine-scale habitat selection, movements, and dispersal of small oceanic loggerheads in the NED.

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for threatened/endangered sea turtles in coastal Hawaii. Vector points in this data set represent sea turtle nesting sites, and sea turtle occurrences for species that are considered rare in Hawaii. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set comprises a portion of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for Hawaii. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the REPTILES data layer, part of the larger Hawaii ESI database, for additional sea turtle information.

These data represent the critical habitat for hawksbill turtle as designated by Federal Register Vol. 63, No. 46701, September 2, 1998, Rules and Regulations. Redesignated and amended at 64 FR 14607, March 23, 1999.

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for sea turtles in American Samoa. Vector polygons in this data set represent sea turtle nesting and nearshore distribution. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer.This data set comprises a portion of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for American Samoa. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources.

SWFSC is developing tools for estimation of limit reference points for marine turtles. These tools are being applied initially to estimate a limit reference point for western Pacific leatherback turtles off the U.S. west coast.

Pilot studies are being conducted for transect surveys and mark-recapture to assess long term relative abundance

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for threatened/endangered sea turtles in coastal Hawaii. Vector polygons in this data set represent sea turtle concentration areas, and nesting and basking locations. Species-specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set comprises a portion of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) data for Hawaii. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources. See also the REPTPT (Reptile and Amphibian Points) data layer, part of the larger Hawaii ESI database, for additional sea turtle information.