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Marine Turtle Newsletter 114:23, © 2006

Marine Turtle Newsletter-Online

27th Annual Sea Turtlers’ Migration

Michael S. Coyne
President, International Sea Turtle Society (E-mail: mcoyne@seaturtle.org)

Marine turtles ply the world’s seas and oceans, migrating from here to there in search of food, mates and a place to deposit their eggs. Every year (since 1981) a multitude of sea turtlers from around the world have migrated to a predetermined location, gathering to discuss their favorite topic. What drives these mass migrations? Answering this question with regard to turtles is one of the many reasons the turtlers gather. Even after decades of studying sea turtles, their habits and habitats remain, in large part, a wondrous mystery. It is this very mystery that makes them such a compelling subject of study and affection.

This year the meeting of turtlers returns to the state of South Carolina, USA, in what promises to be the largest gathering yet. The meeting will conclude with a focus on sea turtle movement which will take a critical look at the methods we have used and what we have learned about the how, what and why of where sea turtles go. This will be a special mini-symposium on Tracking for the Conservation of Migratory Vertebrates sponsored by Inter-Research <http://www.int-res.com/>. A number of experts in the tracking of a variety of migratory marine vertebrates will provide relevant background and insights from their own taxa.

The logo for the 27th Annual Symposium will also be very special, incorporating the tracks of more than 700 individual turtles and the combined work of hundreds of people and more than 40 organizations. This incredible effort highlights some amazing work, identifies remaining gaps in knowledge and provides a glimpse at the possibilities that arise when we all work together.

While the meeting ends with the tracking mini-symposium, it begins with a plenary session on sea turtles in the Carolinas. These two special sessions bracket nearly 400 outstanding oral and poster presentations on a wide variety of topics related to marine turtles. Join us for these and many other outstanding (and fun!) events. Please plan to come early or stay late as we will have a full slate of field trips and activities for you to enjoy. I look forward to seeing you all in Myrtle Beach. Safe migrations!

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