Population density and abundance of Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in one of the largest feeding grounds in the Egyptian Red Sea

Abstract

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are globally endangered and very little is known about their population in Egypt’s Red Sea. Abu Dabbab Bay was believed to contain one of the most dense and important green turtle feeding grounds in the Egyptian Red Sea. The results of our surveys suggest that Abu Dabbab Bay is a high density feeding ground with 612±61.9 turtles/km² and a mean population size of 104±10 turtles. The density and abundance of green turtles in Abu Dabbab bay has at least doubled, depending upon survey month, in a ten year span This increase could be the result of reduced shark populations in the Red Sea, a temporary reduction of tourist numbers from the Covid 19 pandemic, and/or local initiatives by private stakeholders to reduce disturbance. Regular monitoring the is needed to better understand the reasons for future population trends.

Keywords:

• Sea grass cover
• Abu Dabbab Bay
• population trend

Acknowledgements

We thank Blue Ocean Dive Centers & Resort and the Abu Dabbab Group (Hilton Nubian Resort Marsa Alam, Abu Dabbab Beach and Abu Dabbab Lodge) for their continuous support of our marine conservation work in Abu Dabbab Bay. We would also like to thank the numerous volunteers who participated in the surveys. OA would like to thank Indiana University Southeast for their support.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.