Population genetics studies in support of conservation and management of Australia's marine turtles

This project will use genetic markers to address specific issues regarding the conservation and management of marine turtle populations in Australia. Targeted questions will be addressed regarding the genetic composition of (1) leatherback turtles around Australia, (2,3) olive ridley and hawksbill turtle rookeries in north Queensland and the Northern Territory, (4) flatback rookeries around Australia and (5) harvested and stranded turtles across northern Australia. These studies will make a substantial contribution towards the implementation of the marine turtle recovery plans by providing a basis for establishing magagment units and by determining which populations are impacted by harvests and marine debris