Threats derived by Hydrocarbons exploitation on populations of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea in the Gulf of Venezuela
Amenazas derivadas de la explotación de hidrocarburos sobre poblaciones de tortugas cardón Dermochelys coriacea en el Golfo de Venezuela
Abstract
The Gulf of Venezuela represents an important area for feeding and development of the Leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, in the southern Caribbean Sea. In order to assess potential risks associated with oil-related activities on Leatherback turtles in the Gulf of Venezuela. The present research aims to evaluate the possible risk factors that oil activities can generate on these animals, analyzing the frequencies and spatial coincidences of these threats with the critical habitats for leatherback turtles in the study area. This investigation was based on a data compilation of biological and anthropogenic available online. These records were analyzed and georeferenced. Assessed datasets are related to: (a) spatial-temporal strandings records of D. coriacea; (b) Identified zones where marine upwelling occurred (based on Sea Surface Temperature (SST); (c) High Marine Traffic areas; (d) Location of navigation channel at the south of Gulf of Venezuela; (e) Hydrocarbons pipeline location (Rio Seco-Tiguadare). All this was assessed to understand how potential threats to Leatherback turtles could be affecting or decreased the environmental quality by potential stressor agents originated by activities such as hydrocarbons transporting and refining. It is recommended to carry out field work and continue monitoring.
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References
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