Leatherback turtle in Atlantic Canada (Dermochelys coriacea) recovery strategy: chapter 14
Appendix B – Schedule of Studies to Identify Critical Habitat
In the absence of sufficient information on habitat use to identify the critical habitat of leatherback turtles in Atlantic Canadian waters within this recovery strategy, SARA requires under section 41.1c.1 that a "Schedule of Studies" be prepared. The research activities in the following table target key knowledge gaps on the habitat requirements of this species while seasonally resident or migrating through Canadian waters. Accompanying each activity is an assessment of the overall priority, potential partners, and estimated timing. It is hoped that implementing the following schedule will yield information to eventually allow for the critical habitat for this species to be described. It is important to note that activities outlined in this schedule are subject to priorities and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations. Consequently, these activities may not necessarily be completed within the timelines as established below.
Research Activities | Priority | Start Date 2006 |
Estimated Timing | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yr 1 | Yr 2 | Yr 3 | Yr 4 | Yr 5 | |||
Critical habitat identification | |||||||
Evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution and foraging ecology of leatherback turtles in Canadian waters. |
Primary
|
ongoing
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
Conduct satellite telemetry studies to identify seasonal foraging areas in Atlantic Canadian waters and migratory routes in the Western Atlantic. |
Primary
|
ongoing
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
Identify prey species and assess their spatial and temporal distribution in Canadian waters. |
Primary
|
ongoing
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
Identify and model oceanographic processes that influence the spatial and temporal leatherback distribution in Canadian waters. |
Secondary
|
ongoing
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
×
|
Note: Potential partners for the above activities could include but are not limited to the following :
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Nova Scotia Leatherback Turtle Working Group
- Dalhousie University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- Aboriginal People Representatives
- Other Non-Governmental Environmental/Research Organizations
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