Uso de los Sistemas de Vídeo Estereoscópico Submarino Remoto Pelágico (stereo-BRUVs) para el estudio de las tortugas marinas en aguas Atlánticas

Abstract

The pelagic oceanic zone is one of the largest ecosystems on the planet, which is exposed to different anthropogenic pressures. In order to study and promote biodiversity conservation measures on these ecosystems, it is necessary to know the distribution of the species, the use of the habitat, the degree of connectivity and the status of populations. Carrying out such monitoring for pelagic and migratory species is complicated due to the fact that their distribution is not homogeneous and they can be widely distributed in different habitats, as is the case of sea turtles. In recent years, Baited Remote Underwater Stereo-Video (BRUVS) have become a popular tool to assess the distribution, diversity and abundance of marine life in a non-intrusive way. This innovative technique can provide us with important new information on pelagic ecosystems. In particular for the conservation of sea turtle populations by providing strategic knowledge about areas that have not been thoroughly studied, such as feeding areas and migration corridors in pelagic-coastal zones.