Atlantic Leatherback Turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, in cold water off Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

Encounters with 20 Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador between 1976 and 1985, primarily through incidental catches in inshore fishing gear, are reported. Leatherback Turtles were found in July-September and were associated with seasonally high water temperatures. Healthy animals which occur in coastal Newfoundland waters are probably not strays, and encounters to date may indicate the turtles' regular use of this habitat.