Kelly

Casey Key Loggerheads 2008

A project of Mote Marine Laboratory.

click map for full-size version Kelly swims in depths that overlap with the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery bottom longline fishery. More information on this issue is summarized at www.sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/TurtlesReefFish.htm

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Species: Loggerhead
Life Stage: Adult
Gender: Female
Release Date: 2008-07-29 00:00:00
Release Location: Casey Key
Last Location: 2009-06-17 11:03:48

Adoptive Parents:
Julia MacIntyre
Gabriel Lee - Collin Walsh
Leah Hubbard
Bill
Reece Knudson/Robbins
Mr. Green's Gr. 4 & Gr. 5 AGP Classes
Erin Yingling

Background

Kelly is a new turtle measuring 93.3 cm curved carapace length. Kelly the turtle was named by David and Ann Samek for Kelly Samek, an environmental lawyer at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Kelly also used to regularly update the news and legal info for Seaturtle.org. The Sameks have fond memories of sea turtles from when they lived near Bonita Beach. Kelly the turtle will be involved as a subject in studies of genetics, barnacle biodiversity, stable isotopes, nest frequency, and nest site selection.

As the water temperature cooled over the winter, Kelly moved southwards and now that the water temp is warming, she has moved back north. Turtles being 'cold blooded' or poikilothermic are looking for a thermal refugia. Compare Kelly's movement to Virginia (Casey 2005) who moved offshore for the winter. Also compare to some of the Bald Head Island Loggerheads who have a unique pattern of staying near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream for the winter, then move further north as summer approaches. Interesting isn't it? that turtles are responding to local influences of the water current, water temperature, and bottom topography as they move to remain in a thermal preference range.