The non-profit organization the Hawksbill Project concluded its two-week study of the hawksbill turtle keystone species on St. John on Friday. Marking the second year in a row of data collection, this vital research project led by Scott Eanes, founder of the Hawksbill Project, continues to shed light on the lives of these critically endangered creatures, offering promising data for conservation efforts.
Year Two: Encouraging Findings and New Discoveries
Building on the foundation laid in 2023, the research team interacted with a total of 15 hawksbill turtles this year and sampled (a process that involves capturing and collecting data from the turtle to study its physical and biological characteristics) 10 for a catch rate of sixty-six percent. Five of the 10 sampled were new and the other five were repeat captures from last year.
“We feel great about this year’s findings,” shared Eanes. “The discovery of new hawksbills and the recapture of previously tagged turtles provides valuable data that will help us understand their growth rates, movement patterns, and overall health.”
The study, which focused on both the north and south sides of St. John, also revealed unique findings that seemed to indicate a larger volume of hawksbills reside on the south side of the island. For comparison, the north side saw three turtles sampled from five interactions, while the south side recorded an impressive seven turtles sampled from 10 interactions. Despite the abundance of suitable habitats, the random distribution of hawksbills highlights the complexity of their behaviors and habitats, which researchers are keen to understand better.
The Importance of Recapture Data and Satellite Tagging
One of the key opportunities this year was to analyze previously tagged hawksbills. Recapture provides critical growth data, helping researchers track the health and development of individual turtles over time.
“The recapture data is invaluable,” noted Eanes. “It not only confirms some level of residency but also gives us insights into the growth and well-being of these turtles, which is essential for effective conservation planning.”
Another major component of the study involves satellite tagging, which offers insights into the migratory patterns and habitat use of hawksbill turtles. This technology enables researchers to gather real-time data, crucial for identifying and protecting critical habitats and developing targeted conservation strategies.
Looking Ahead: A Positive Outlook for Hawksbill Conservation
The two-week study concluded on Friday and will resume in 2025. “The data collected so far provides an initial foundation for understanding the population dynamics around St. John and eventually developing effective conservation strategies,” shared Eanes. “Protecting hawksbill sea turtles is not just about saving a species from extinction; it’s about preserving the health of entire marine ecosystems.”
Hawksbill turtles are considered a keystone species, meaning their presence and behavior have a disproportionate impact on their environment. They help maintain the health of coral reefs by feeding on sponges, which can otherwise outcompete corals for space. Their role in these ecosystems is critical, as healthy coral reefs provide habitat for countless marine species, support local fisheries, and protect coastlines from erosion.
For more information on the hawksbill sea turtle study and how to get involved, click here.
All scientific research is conducted pursuant to Virgin Islands National Park study permit #24006 and NMFS #25818.
