The Herpetological Journal

Authors: Dimitris Margaritoulis & ALan F. Rees

Abstract: Leatherback sea turtles Dermochelys coriacea are oceanic animals ranging from the equator to sub-polar latitudes. In the Mediterranean Sea, leatherbacks are the third most encountered sea turtle species, albeit at a low frequency. Along the coasts of Greece, 14 records were reported until 1984. Combining these data with 43 additional records collected over the ensuing 40-year period 1985–2024, we infer that most records were reported from the Aegean Sea, north of 39 degrees latitude, in the warmer months of the year (May–November). The size range of measured specimens (123–180 cm curved carapace length) indicate that these were large juveniles and adults. The spatial and seasonal distribution of the recorded leatherbacks, as well as their sizes, suggest that these individuals enter the Mediterranean basin during a foraging migration from their nesting beaches in the western Atlantic. Most of the recorded leatherbacks were captured in fishing gears, primarily gillnets, with only few of them released. It is unknown how many of these animals that enter the Mediterranean return for breeding to their natal beaches.

Keywords: Dermochelys coriacea, Mediterranean, fisheries interaction, jellyfish blooms