The Mid-Atlantic serves as a host environment for a number of sea turtle
species that encompasses their seasonal migration routes. Global
evidence suggests that the migration routes are strongly influenced by
two factors: sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentrations.
Data gathered from the Pacific Ocean presents compelling evidence of
this relationship. In contrast, the findings from studies conducted in
the Atlantic have not yet confirmed the role of these factors.
Therefore this study will attempt to establish a correlation between sea
turtle locations in the Atlantic Ocean in relation to sea surface temperature.
Satellite sensor data including the NOAA AVHRR instrument will be utilized
for this study in addition to WhaleNet point source turtle data.