Marine Turtles: Understanding Life Cycles, Ecology, and Conservation

Marine turtle research forms a vital part of conservation and restoration ecology, addressing the complexities of protecting migratory species that traverse international waters and interact with diverse ecosystems. As long-lived reptiles with intricate life cycles and broad-ranging habitats, marine turtles provide a unique lens through which to examine the success and challenges of conservation interventions and ecosystem management. Recent decades have illuminated the threats facing these species, including habitat degradation, climate-related changes to reproductive patterns, unsustainable exploitation, and bycatch. Innovative studies are highlighting the importance of broadly applied and forward-thinking solutions that consider ecological dynamics, temporal trends in populations, advancements in physiological and molecular understanding, and the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. Nevertheless, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding fundamental ecological processes, behavioral adaptations, and the effectiveness of community-driven conservation.This Research Topic aims to advance the science of conservation as it applies to marine turtle populations by bringing together interdisciplinary approaches rooted in cutting-edge research and community engagement. Our objective is to foster a deep and actionable understanding of turtle biology, habitat requirements, and the socio-ecological models necessary for successful protection. We especially encourage studies that address how conservation practice, policy frameworks, and adaptive management can be informed by ecological data, technological innovations, and participatory approaches, ultimately supporting resilient turtle populations and coastal ecosystems.To gather further insights into marine turtle conservation, our focus welcomes research that advances theory, methodology, and practice across regions and levels of biological organization. Articles may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:-Nesting biology, embryology, and reproductive ecology as they relate to conservation-In-water studies of habitat use, migration, and age-specific ecology-Modelling and empirical research on temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD)-Molecular genetics, population structure, and gene flow relevant to restoration-Physiological resilience and adaptation to environmental stressors-Community-based and participatory conservation strategies-Integration of traditional and local knowledge in conservation practice Topic editors: Miguel Angel Reyes-Lopez, Hector Barrios-Garrido, Rocío Álvarez-Varas Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78453/marine-turtles-understanding-life-cycles-ecology-and-conservation