Influence of oceanographic parameters in sea turtles strandings in Canary Islands

Abstract

Throughout the year, an average of 230 Caretta caretta strandings takes place on Canary Islands. This species is endangered, therefore, is so important to assess his state and threats to achieve an effective plan to control his loss. The information obtained until nowadays, show the great human influence on the damage caused, however this data should be compared with the effects that would have the nature by itself. In this study, stranding frequency has been compared with temperature, chlorophyll concentration and Eddy Kinetic Energy of the sea surface. The results of the GLM made, reflect an important influence of the two first ones and determine that EKE is not a suitable parameter for explore this relation. The influence degree varies depending on the area and season.