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Abstract

THE TURTLES’ TALE: FLAGSHIPS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR MARINE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND CONSERVATION.

John G. Frazier
National Zoological Park
Bio

Marine turtles are classic flagship species. Their remarkable natural history – large size, dependence on both terrestrial and oceanic environments, decades to reach maturity, regular migrations that crisscross ocean basins, massive reproductive output, mammal-like physiology, and other features – make them attractive to researchers and the general public alike. This attraction is further enhanced by the fact that these reptiles are widely recognized as endangered species. They are “biomagnets” for people round the world, from diverse sectors of society; incredible amounts of time, energy, and resources go into diverse types of investigation, public education, conservation, and international policy directed specifically at these “lowly reptiles.” Oceanographers, ecologists, geneticists, marine biologists, and specialists from other disciplines frequently begin basic research projects on marine turtles. These activities quickly evolve into large multifaceted programs including conservation projects, community-based activities together with education, other forms of development and other social projects, and even policy initiatives for promoting regional and global cooperation in the conservation of these shared resources, and the habitats on which they depend. Besides enhancing better understanding of the biology and ecology of these animals, and nurturing more active and diverse conservation and education initiatives, work on marine turtles also promotes much-needed initiatives in interdisciplinary and international cooperation – which are fundamental challenges to marine work in general. The presentation will provide examples of how work focused on these flagship species has promoted diverse initiatives in marine research, education, and conservation – at multiple scholarly, social, and political levels, as well as served as a critical integrating force, to nurture a wider comprehension of science and it role in society.