Effect Of Retention Conditions And Duration On The Swim Frenzy Of Hatchling Loggerhead Turtles

Retaining hatchling sea turtles following emergence may compromise their swim frenzy, a period of active swimming that is critical to their survival. To inform the best handling practices for sea turtles raised in hatcheries, we determined the interactive effects of retaining Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings under different conditions (dark vs. light and air vs. water) and for different durations (24, 48, and 72 h) on swimming thrust measured at 24-h intervals during the swim frenzy period (72 h). The mean thrust of hatchlings placed in water immediately after emergence (control) was not significantly higher than the mean thrust of hatchlings retained in air (light or dark) for 24, 48, or 72 h. The mean thrust of hatchlings retained in water for 24, 48, and 72 h, however, was significantly lower than the mean thrust of hatchlings in the control treatment. This study indicates that the swim frenzy period of hatchlings can be delayed by retaining them in air for up to 72 h after emergence, such that hatchlings display uncompromised swimming following retention. Conversely, retaining hatchlings in water for the same duration of time can severely compromise their swimming performance following retention, which would put hatchlings at risk of predation upon entering the sea.