Historical Diet Analysis of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta Caretta) in Virginia

Abstract

Digestive tract contents were examined from 297 Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Virginia during 1983–2002. Analyses revealed a shift from predominantly Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) during the early to mid-1980s to predominantly Common Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Diet in the mid-1990s and in 2000–2002 was dominated by finfish, particularly Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). These diet shifts suggest that horseshoe crab and blue crab population declines have caused loggerheads to forage in nets or on discarded fishery bycatch.