Predicting connectivity of green turtles at Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific: a focus on mtDNA and dispersal modelling

Green turtles foraging at Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific, exhibit strong genetic connectivity to the West Central and South Central Pacific Regional Management Units (97% assignment), with ocean currents playing a significant role in their dispersal. This study combined mitochondrial DNA analysis of 349 turtles collected over five years (2008-2012) with high-resolution ocean circulation modeling to reveal that turtles likely drift from rookeries to Palmyra via surface currents along an equatorial path. While the Palmyra feeding ground shows genetic differentiation from other Indo-Pacific regions, no significant variation was found among years, sexes, or life stages at the site. These findings advance understanding of green turtle distribution and inform conservation strategies for this threatened species.

Naro-Maciel, E., Gaughran, S. J., Putman, N. F., Amato, G., Arengo, F., Dutton, P. H., McFadden, K. W., Vintinner, E. C., & Sterling, E. J. (2014). Predicting connectivity of green turtles at Palmyra Atoll, central Pacific: a focus on mtDNA and dispersal modelling. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(93), 20130888. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2013.0888