428
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
16.9 DATA COLLECTION
Every hatchling is weighed and measured upon arrival at the NMFS STF. Every 28
days thereafter, a subsample of turtles from each year class is weighed and measured.
At random, a minimum of 25 turtles are selected from each year class and those
turtles are used to determine the feed ration. Four measurements are taken: weight,
straight carapace length (notch to tip), straight carapace width (maximum), and body
depth (maximum) (Bolten, 1999). An average weight is determined for the subsample
and used to calculate the feeding rate for that year class. Weighing and measuring
allows the captive-rearing staff a chance to carefully examine the sea turtles for any
signs of problems. Each sea turtle is handled as little as possible to prevent injury
to turtle and handler.
16.10 TURTLE TRANSPORT
16.10.1 HATCHLINGS, POST-HATCHLINGS, AND JUVENILES
Hatchlings are transported in commercially available plastic containers with lids.
Shipping container size varies with the size of turtle being transported (Table 16.2).
Ventilation holes are made three-quarters of the way up the side of the container.
Size and number of ventilation holes vary with container size. The container is lined
with a piece of solid, open-cell foam rubber and moistened with seawater. Carpet
underpadding is the preferred foam type for smaller containers and it is available in
large rolls, allowing custom-sized pieces to be cut. The amount of saltwater added
to the foam varies with turtle and container size. If too little water is added, the
turtle will desiccate. If too much water is added, it can cause vehicle motion-related
injuries. Hatchlings are particularly sensitive to drowning from too much water,
should turtles crawl and rest on top of one another. Shipping container size for turtles
>1.0 kg should be large enough to comfortably hold the turtle, but small enough to
prevent excessive motion and turning.
All turtles should be shipped in a climate-controlled vehicle (23–30∞C) with
temperature and moisture checked regularly and adjusted as necessary. Additional
moisture can be added using a fine mist from a spray bottle. The number of turtles
per shipping container should be reduced for long trips. Containers should be stacked
not more than three high to prevent them from tipping over during normal vehicle
movement. If possible, the use of straps and/or cargo nets is recommended when
transporting turtles by aircraft.
16.10.2 SUBADULTS AND ADULTS (>15 KG)
Because of their size and strength, subadult and adult turtles can be difficult to
transport.
16.10.2.1 Short Distances or Short Time Periods
Not many readily available containers can be purchased off the shelf to transport
large turtles. Those that are available tend to be available in small quantities and
1123_C16 Page 428 Tuesday, November 12, 2002 8:28 AM
The Biology of Sea Turtles, Vol. II
16.9 DATA COLLECTION
Every hatchling is weighed and measured upon arrival at the NMFS STF. Every 28
days thereafter, a subsample of turtles from each year class is weighed and measured.
At random, a minimum of 25 turtles are selected from each year class and those
turtles are used to determine the feed ration. Four measurements are taken: weight,
straight carapace length (notch to tip), straight carapace width (maximum), and body
depth (maximum) (Bolten, 1999). An average weight is determined for the subsample
and used to calculate the feeding rate for that year class. Weighing and measuring
allows the captive-rearing staff a chance to carefully examine the sea turtles for any
signs of problems. Each sea turtle is handled as little as possible to prevent injury
to turtle and handler.
16.10 TURTLE TRANSPORT
16.10.1 HATCHLINGS, POST-HATCHLINGS, AND JUVENILES
Hatchlings are transported in commercially available plastic containers with lids.
Shipping container size varies with the size of turtle being transported (Table 16.2).
Ventilation holes are made three-quarters of the way up the side of the container.
Size and number of ventilation holes vary with container size. The container is lined
with a piece of solid, open-cell foam rubber and moistened with seawater. Carpet
underpadding is the preferred foam type for smaller containers and it is available in
large rolls, allowing custom-sized pieces to be cut. The amount of saltwater added
to the foam varies with turtle and container size. If too little water is added, the
turtle will desiccate. If too much water is added, it can cause vehicle motion-related
injuries. Hatchlings are particularly sensitive to drowning from too much water,
should turtles crawl and rest on top of one another. Shipping container size for turtles
>1.0 kg should be large enough to comfortably hold the turtle, but small enough to
prevent excessive motion and turning.
All turtles should be shipped in a climate-controlled vehicle (23–30∞C) with
temperature and moisture checked regularly and adjusted as necessary. Additional
moisture can be added using a fine mist from a spray bottle. The number of turtles
per shipping container should be reduced for long trips. Containers should be stacked
not more than three high to prevent them from tipping over during normal vehicle
movement. If possible, the use of straps and/or cargo nets is recommended when
transporting turtles by aircraft.
16.10.2 SUBADULTS AND ADULTS (>15 KG)
Because of their size and strength, subadult and adult turtles can be difficult to
transport.
16.10.2.1 Short Distances or Short Time Periods
Not many readily available containers can be purchased off the shelf to transport
large turtles. Those that are available tend to be available in small quantities and
1123_C16 Page 428 Tuesday, November 12, 2002 8:28 AM