Editorial: Marine turtles

Abstract

Marine turtles are vital to marine ecosystems, serving as indicators of ocean health and contributing to the ecological balance of marine habitats (Aguirre and Lutz, 2004). However, the Anthropocene has introduced a multitude of human-induced stressors on natural systems, necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate these impacts (Davenport, 2024; Syvitski et al., 2020). Significant aspects of marine turtle biology remain poorly understood (Hamann et al., 2010; Rees et al., 2016; Wildermann et al., 2018), especially in regions of the Global-South (Robinson et al., 2022; 2023; Shanker et al., 2023). This Research Topic presents a collection of seven studies that advance our understanding of marine turtles in need of conservation action, with research spanning Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Dominica, Uruguay, Brazil, Martinique, and Ecuador. This editorial summarizes four original research manuscripts, one review, one mini review, and one brief research report; all highlighting the complex threats that marine turtles face and underscoring the need for multidisciplinary approaches to develop effective conservation strategies.