Marine boat surveys for the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) off of the coast of La Flor Playa de Coco, Nicaragua, 9th and 13th July 2013

Abstract

Two marine monitoring boat surveys were conducted off the coasts of La Flor and Playa de Coco, southwest Nicaragua. Single and mating pairs of Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea, TSN 1738400), were observed and activity and geo-referencing recorded with a GPS (decial latitude and longitude, geographic datum WGS84). Single turtles were seen basking and breathing at the surface of the water and subsequently would dive into the water. Mating pairs were also observed. Males held onto the females via a hook on the front flippers, scars were observed but no tumors were detected. Some photos were taken for visualisation.