Blood values and toxicology of wild hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting in mangrove estuaries in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are critically endangered and hawksbills in the eastern Pacific Ocean (Mexico-Peru) are among the most endangered populations of sea turtles in the world. Sea turtles are a... [ view full abstract ]

Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are critically endangered and hawksbills in the eastern Pacific Ocean (Mexico-Peru) are among the most endangered populations of sea turtles in the world. Sea turtles are a keystone species and are highly sensitive to their environment, making them excellent environmental indicators. In light of environmental and climate changes, this species is increasingly threatened by pollution, changes in ocean health, alteration of nesting habitat, and plastic ingestion. There may be additional health related threats and understanding these threats is key in directing future management and conservation efforts. This study establishes baseline health parameters in order to aid future conservation efforts. Hematological and blood biochemistry samples were collected in 2013, in addition blood heavy metal and persistent organic pollutant levels were measured in 28 adult female nesting sea turtles. Low levels of arsenic, mercury, and lead were observed. The persistent organic pollutants measured were below the detectable limit, a surprising finding in this population that forages in heavily polluted estuaries. Ongoing and future health studies and challenges, including a novel study of the microbiome of this species, in this population will be discussed.