Advances in the Biology and Conservation of Marine Turtles

Marine turtles are unusual amongst the reptilia, because they are entirely marine other than their requirement to nest on land. With a mix of K-selected (e.g. long lifespan, late maturity) and r-selected (high fecundity, high hatchling mortality) life history traits, they possess a broad and fascinating range of adaptations to an oviparous, marine lifestyle. An equally broad investigative approach is needed to understand their biology and to apply this understanding to their management and conservation. There has been increasing interest in marine turtle biology and conservation, with a multitude of studies being conducted each year on a range of topics from basic biological and ecological to more applied questions, but several knowledge gaps still exist. The reliance of sea turtles on both marine systems and terrestrial systems means that they are impacted by changes in both, with the result that some species are highly endangered, thereby necessitating rapid advances to increase the knowledge relevant to both their biology and conservation.

In this Research Topic, we aim to bring together the latest research and its application, in order to highlight our understanding and identify new and emerging threats.
We welcome submissions related to advances across numerous topics relevant to biology and conservation of marine turtles, including but not limited to:

- Behavior
- Physiology
- Spatial ecology
- Reproductive ecology
- Technological advances applicable to marine turtles
- Marine protected areas
- Human dimensions
- Cumulative and synergetic threats
- Life history
- Conservation actions and approaches

The aim of this Research Topic is to understand both recent advances in marine turtle biology and conservation, as well as highlight areas that require further research.