Oceanographic conditions of the Macaronesian marine space: relationships with the distribution and behaviour of the sea turtle "Caretta caretta"

Abstract

The information available on the oceanographic conditions of the oceanic space between the archipelagos of the Eastern Central Atlantic and the West African coast is reviewed and analysed, paying special attention to the synoptic information obtained by satellite, which enables us to observe the connection between the phenomena that occurs in the area almost in real time, and to relate it to the movement and behaviour of the turtle Caretta caretta. This area as a whole is characterised by the gradients it presents due to a variety of observable, inter-related and inter-connected properties. Thus, it can be considered a "singular space" providing particular and characteristic conditions that will provide, if better understood, an insight into the Life cycle of migratory oceanic animals, such as turtles.