RESENT STATUS ON REARING AND RELEASING STUDIES OF SEA TURTLES IN JAPAN SEA-FARMING ASSOCIATION

Abstract

Hatchlings of loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta in 46.7mm on average (range : 41.0-49.0mm) of standard straight carapace length (SCL) and 22.6g on average (range : 17.4-24.5g) of body weight (BW) were transported from Nagoya Port Aquarium to Yaeyama station in July 1999. The hatchlings grew up to be 756.5mm on average (range : 708-855mm) SCL and 58.2kg on average (range : 46.3-71.2) BW for three years after hatchlings. The growth performance of these species are 0.3kg/month (in the 1st year), 1.2kg/month (in the 2nd year), and 3.3kg/month (in the 3rd year), respectively. A two and half years old loggerhead turtle in 649mm SCL and 43.1kg BW tagged with satellite tracking device on the carapace was released at Yaeyama station (24°N, 124°E) in January 2002. The data of the present position was collected through the Argos system. The turtle was at 36°N, 152°E in the end of December, 2002.