Turtles mapping Seagrass meadows in the Red Sea

28 November, 2024

A recent study published by Hugo Mann and colleagues highlights an unexpected ally in mapping seagrass meadows: sea turtles. Researchers discovered that tracking the movements of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) can yield more detailed and accurate maps of seagrass habitats than current satellite technology. These meadows, critical for carbon storage and marine biodiversity, are notoriously difficult to monitor through satellites due to their underwater location and patchy distribution.

By equipping turtles with GPS trackers and cameras, scientists gained insights into their grazing patterns and habitat use, revealing previously uncharted seagrass beds. The study underscores the potential of combining animal behavior studies with conservation technology to monitor and protect vulnerable ecosystems.

This innovative approach could transform marine habitat mapping, offering a cost-effective and ecological method to safeguard essential seagrass ecosystems globally.

This publication received also the attention of Science magazine!