Coastal Indigenous Peoples worldwide have relied on fish and other marine resources for millennia, and continue to do so despite recent degradation of ocean systems. Their traditional ecological knowledge, comprised of experiences, observations, beliefs, and lifeways, is relevant for modern marine management and conservation. This thesis explores the utility of traditional and local ecological knowledge for extending an understanding of changes over time for places or periods in which scientific data are unavailable. This thesis had three goals: 1) undertake research that is collaborative and inclusive, and that addresses priorities established by participating First Nations; 2) contribute to fisheries management and conservation recommendations by focusing on a species of cultural importance and exploring the applications of traditional and local ecological knowledge to species-level understandings; and 3) contribute a marine social-ecological case study that investigates the use of traditional and local ecological knowledge to understand change over time and provides appropriate context. Two main objectives allowed me to accomplish my goals: 1) demonstrate the application of traditional and local ecological knowledge to establish historical baselines that extend farther back in time than scientific surveys, and investigate reasons for changes, and 2) investigate the utility of a social-ecological trap framework in assessing impacts to a social-ecological system and identifying ways to escape such a trap. My case study occurred in collaboration with four First Nations (as many Indigenous Peoples of Canada are called) on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. My methods included semi-structured interviews with knowledge holders to examine traditional and local ecological knowledge of a culturally and economically important species, Yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus). In this study, I interviewed First Nations fishers and Elders (n=43), asking about: observed changes to the body sizes (length) and abundance of this species over the last ~60 years, the factors driving these changes, stewardship principles or traditional management strategies, concerns for marine resources, and perceived opportunities for cultural revitalization. I then quantified the interview participants’ current and historical estimates of size and abundance, compared interview data to current biological survey data, and qualitatively analyzed responses regarding stewardship, culture, perceived threats, and cultural solutions. I utilized the framework of a social-ecological trap to analyze responses about stewardship, traditional stories or management, and threats to culture, selecting illustrative quotes to contextualize the lived experiences of participants. Overwhelmingly, respondents had observed a decrease in Yelloweye rockfish body sizes since the 1980s. Median historical length observed by participants was nearly twice the modern length. Participants reported substantial decrease in Yelloweye rockfish abundance since the 1980s, and most stated that this change was evident in the early 2000s. Sizes of modern Yelloweye rockfish estimated by participants resembled measurements from ecological data recorded concurrently at the study region. Thus, my study extends baseline historical data of Yelloweye rockfish reliably by about 50 years. Questions about traditional stories and culture revealed the presence of a social-ecological trap created and reinforced by the interplay between species decline and colonization (e.g. the residential schooling system). When asked about traditional management or stewardship practices, only one participant could remember specific traditional stories about Yelloweye rockfish, though all participants expressed adherence to the stewardship principles of taking only what is needed and respecting all life. Though participants expressed concern about the muting of traditional ecological knowledge, culture, and language, they also highlighted key ways towards revitalization and Indigenous resurgence. The ubiquitous presence of stewardship principles suggests there are ways beyond the social trap: participants described on-going cultural revitalization efforts, recovery of depleted species and ecosystems, and the reassertion of Indigenous management rights as ways to overcome problems inherent to the social-ecological trap. My research adds to a growing body of literature that supports the use of traditional and local ecological knowledge in marine management and conservation science. Adding to this literature, my work suggests the significant value of traditional and local ecological knowledge for filling gaps in historical scientific data or in data-poor regions, and highlights the importance of appropriately contextualizing Indigenous knowledge. To overcome the social-ecological trap of knowledge loss and to achieve informed marine management, reassertion of Indigenous management rights and application of traditional management strategies to modern fisheries management is vital. / Graduate / 0326 / 0768 / 0416 / eckertleckert@gmail.com

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools that can support the resilience of marine ecosystems. Many countries, including Canada, have committed to protecting at least 10% of their marine areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Target 11, which includes connectivity as a key aspect. Connectivity, the movement of individuals among habitats, can enhance population stability and resilience within and among MPAs. This thesis aimed to understand regional spatial patterns of marine ecological connectivity, specifically through the mechanism of adult movement, and how these patterns may be affected by climate change. I used the Northern Shelf Bioregion in British Columbia, Canada, as a case study for four objectives: (1) evaluate potential connectivity via adult movement for the entire bioregion, using habitat proxies for distinct ecological communities; (2) assess potential connectivity via adult movement among existing and potential MPAs, using the same habitat proxies; (3) model potential connectivity via adult movement among marine protected areas for two focal species (Metacarcinus magister and Sebastolobus alascanus) and predict how this interconnectedness may shift based on projected ocean temperature changes; and (4) contribute the results of these analyses to the MPA technical team’s ongoing planning process so that connectivity may be considered in the implementation of a new MPA network in the bioregion. This thesis developed an approach to assess and design MPA networks that maximize inferred connectivity within habitat types for adult movement when ecological data are limited. It applied least-cost theory and circuit theory to model MPA suitability and interconnectedness, finding that these are projected to decrease for Sebastolobus alascanus but increase for Metacarcinus magister. I showcased some methods that may be used in MPA design and evaluation, with lessons for other contexts. Importantly, this thesis informed an ongoing MPA planning process, enabling ecological connectivity to be considered in the establishment of a new MPA network in the bioregion. Overall, this work provided examples for incorporating connectivity and climate change into MPA design, highlighting what is possible even when data are limited. / Graduate

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami created a catastrophic disturbance at several scales along the entire Andaman Sea coast. As the first large-scale tsunami occurring in recent history, this event provided a unique opportunity to use modern instrumentation and in situ observation to study tsunami dynamics and effects on coastal systems. Along Thailand’s coast, consequences of this disturbance were highly variable in space and time, with pronounced changes to certain coral reefs and human communities. This thesis outlines two case study-based research projects designed to gain some understanding of the ecological and social dynamics of the tsunami in Thailand. From a Geographical perspective, responses to this massive disturbance may support an incentive-based direction for marine conservation in Thailand. The first project occurred within Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park, Thailand. Variability in the physical response of fringing hard coral reefs to the tsunami was examined using SCUBA surveys. Patterns in variability were distinct from typical hard coral responses during tropical storms suggesting differences in the nature of these hydrodynamic disturbances. Coral colony morphologies and reef shape mainly did not influence variability in tsunami response; however, unique effects were observed on reef slopes over 45°. There was no detected influence of reef depth. Variability in effects based on the spatial location of reefs was observed: proximity to bathymetrical constrictions accounted for substantial variability, while reef aspect did not. Overall, just over 10% of sampled reef area was affected, with evidence of rapid coral recovery in the form of tissue re-growth and apical skeletal growth within four months of the event at most sites. The second project explored the effects of the tsunami on Phuket’s diving industry. The response of industry members and recreational divers to tsunami effects was examined using interviews and questionnaires as well as observational dives with dive guides and clients on chartered trips during the 2004-5 post-tsunami diving season. A short-term reduction in the number of diving companies and diving tourism in Phuket was observed immediately following the tsunami; this can be attributed to terrestrial damage and trip cancellations. Although there were expectations for high levels of dive site damage, most recreational divers did not perceive any damage on dive sites in 2005 – even while diving on surveyed sites with as much as 76-100% of reef area reportedly affected. This low rate of perception may be partially explained by diving ability, but was more likely due to site variability and variability in tsunami response within dive sites allowing guides to preferentially avoid acutely damaged areas. During the post-tsunami low tourism period, industry members contributed substantial resources to rescue, relief and restoration efforts along Thailand’s Andaman Sea Coast. Industry members also participated in several government and university-led tsunami monitoring and rehabilitation efforts. While measurable changes to Phuket’s diving industry seem to have been short-term, this response of industry members to the event may have increased potential for long-term collaboration with government and universities. Enhanced communication among these parties could facilitate future incentive-driven industry contributions toward marine conservation in Thailand.

Ce projet explore la valeur épistémologique des collections historiques pour aborder des questions scientifiques actuelles sur les changements environnementaux dans les écosystèmes marins. Le challenge principal est de pouvoir caractériser le processus d'assimilation des connaissances dans un champ scientifique particulier, l'écologie. Les réseaux émergents de collections de données et d'objets permet l'exploration de questions sur comment le contexte historique a pu biaiser les observations qui sont utilisées maintenant pour analyser les tendances écologiques et environnementales du passé. Cette démarche devrait permettre in fine de contribuer à l'amélioration de nos connaissances sur la dynamique des réponses des systèmes écologiques. Plusieurs exemples différents sont traités en détail, couvrant le contexte historique de la recherche dans les stations marines et l'examen récursif des concepts de base en écologie tels que la dynamique des populations, la théorie de l'exclusion compétitive, et l'estimation de l'impact sur l'environnement. / This project explores the epistemic value of heritage collections for addressing modern scientific questions about environmental change in marine ecosystems. The main challenge is to investigate processes of knowledge assimilation within a specific scientific discipline, ecology. Emerging networks of data and object collections permit addressing questions about how historical context may bias observations used for analysis of ecological and environmental trends. The main goal is to synthesize historical concepts and data using meta-analysis and recursive techniques to reconstruct ecological trends. It is hoped that this will ultimately contribute to improving our understanding of the dynamics of ecological systems responses. Several different examples are treated in detail, covering the historical context of research work in marine stations as well as a critical re-examination of basic ecological concepts of population dynamics, competitive exclusion, and the estimation of environmental impact.

No description available.

In the Gulf Islands and Salish Sea Regions of British Columbia the Parks Canada Agency (PCA) currently operates Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) and is in the development phase for the proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (SSGNMCAR). Protected areas such as these are meant to protect the ecological and cultural heritage of the region on behalf of all Canadians. As the government runs and expands their protected areas in the region it is important to look at their relationship with Indigenous communities in particular, as the PCA mandate requires the agency to work in “partnership” with Indigenous communities (Parks Canada 2017). The region is home to nearly 20 First Nations groups including the three W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations of the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (WLC). The WLC is an Indigenous government that has publicly stated their perception of a strained relationship with the PCA beginning before the formal establishment of GINPR in 2003. Through historical analysis; interviews with employees from the PCA and members of the W̱SÁNEĆ community; and a review of several aspects of site management and establishment in the region – this thesis explores the changing relationship between the PCA and W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations. Through this thesis I collect and discuss recommendations from W̱SÁNEĆ community members, and develop several myself, for the PCA to consider developing to improve the partnership between the two bodies. Potentially a partnership could lead towards formalized and lasting co-operative decision-making practice in the region’s cultural and natural heritage management. / Graduate

A interação das tartarugas marinhas da espécie Caretta caretta e Dermochelys coriacea com o espinhel pelágico é um dos fatores que mais causa a mortalidade destes animais no oceano. Estudos com o intuito de quantificar essa interação, bem como os fatores que influenciam a mesma, são crescentes, para os quais é necessário conhecer a distribuição dos animais, e correlacioná-la com variáveis ambientais e operacionais da pesca. O presente estudo visa avaliar e quantificar os padrões espaço-temporais das capturas acidentais das tartarugas marinhas C. caretta e D. coriacea na região Sudeste/Sul do Brasil, com base em dados coletados pelo Projeto TAMAR ICMBio, entre 2003 e 2010, a partir de um programa de observadores à bordo da frota comercial com espinhel pelágico, assim como correlacioná-los com variáveis ambientais, biológicas e operacionais. Para tal, foram utilizados métodos estatísticos, como os Modelos Aditivos Generalizados para Posição, Escala e Forma (GAMLSS). Foram verificadas variações interanuais e sazonais, com destaque para maiores capturas por unidade de esforço (CPUE) no outono. A temperatura superficial do mar foi a variável abiótica de maior correlação com a CPUE de C. caretta, sendo tipo de isca, a variável operacional mais significativa. Para D. coriacea, profundidade e longitude foram os fatores que melhor explicam a CPUE. Padrões de distribuição ontogenética e áreas prioritárias de conservação para essas populações são discutidas, assim como os efeitos potenciais do aquecimento do oceano. O presente estudo deve contribuir para a definição de políticas de conservação marinha e no contexto da abordagem ecossistêmica para a pesca / The interaction between the sea turtles Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea with pelagic longline is one of the factors that cause mortality of these animals in the ocean. Studies in order to quantify this interaction, as well as the factors that influence it, are increasing, focusing mostly on the turtles distribution, and how it correlates with environmental and fishing operational variables. Present study aims to evaluate and quantify the spatio-temporal patterns of the sea turtles C. caretta and D. coriacea bycatch off Southeast/South Brazil, based on data collected by Project TAMAR - ICMBio between 2003 and 2010, from an observer program on-board the commercial pelagic longline fleet, as well as to correlate them with environmental, biological and operational variables,. Statistical methods such as Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) were applied. Interannual and seasonal variations were observed, with a higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) during fall. The sea surface temperature was the abiotic variable that most correlated with CPUE of C. caretta, being the type of bait the most significant operational variable. For D. coriacea, depth and longitude were the factors that better explained the CPUE. Ontogenetic distribution patterns and priority areas for the species conservation are discussed, as well as the potential effects of ocean warming. This study should contribute to the definition of conservation policies as well as to the ecosystem approach to fisheries context

En esta tesis se aborda la cuantificación, mediante censos visuales, de las pautas de variación espacial y temporal de los poblamientos de peces que viven en los fondos rocosos infralitorales del Mediterráneo occidental, a varias escalas espaciales, y se estima la importancia relativa de la estructura del hábitat rocoso para explicar dichas variaciones. En sucesivos estudios, utilizándose técnicas de análisis espacial, se muestra que riqueza, abundancia y diversidad de peces responden a las variaciones del hábitat estructural (distinguiéndose entre complejidad y heterogeneidad), tanto a escala local como a múltiples escalas espaciales jerarquizadas. Por otra parte, el poblamiento de peces muestra una notable estabilidad temporal, aunque ésta depende de las escalas taxonómica, espacial o analítica considerada, pudiendo esta estabilidad ser debida al efecto del hábitat sobre las poblaciones. La influencia de la estructura del hábitat rocoso puede enmascarar, e incluso contrarrestar, los beneficios esperados de la protección pesquera.

A interação das tartarugas marinhas da espécie Caretta caretta e Dermochelys coriacea com o espinhel pelágico é um dos fatores que mais causa a mortalidade destes animais no oceano. Estudos com o intuito de quantificar essa interação, bem como os fatores que influenciam a mesma, são crescentes, para os quais é necessário conhecer a distribuição dos animais, e correlacioná-la com variáveis ambientais e operacionais da pesca. O presente estudo visa avaliar e quantificar os padrões espaço-temporais das capturas acidentais das tartarugas marinhas C. caretta e D. coriacea na região Sudeste/Sul do Brasil, com base em dados coletados pelo Projeto TAMAR ICMBio, entre 2003 e 2010, a partir de um programa de observadores à bordo da frota comercial com espinhel pelágico, assim como correlacioná-los com variáveis ambientais, biológicas e operacionais. Para tal, foram utilizados métodos estatísticos, como os Modelos Aditivos Generalizados para Posição, Escala e Forma (GAMLSS). Foram verificadas variações interanuais e sazonais, com destaque para maiores capturas por unidade de esforço (CPUE) no outono. A temperatura superficial do mar foi a variável abiótica de maior correlação com a CPUE de C. caretta, sendo tipo de isca, a variável operacional mais significativa. Para D. coriacea, profundidade e longitude foram os fatores que melhor explicam a CPUE. Padrões de distribuição ontogenética e áreas prioritárias de conservação para essas populações são discutidas, assim como os efeitos potenciais do aquecimento do oceano. O presente estudo deve contribuir para a definição de políticas de conservação marinha e no contexto da abordagem ecossistêmica para a pesca / The interaction between the sea turtles Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea with pelagic longline is one of the factors that cause mortality of these animals in the ocean. Studies in order to quantify this interaction, as well as the factors that influence it, are increasing, focusing mostly on the turtles distribution, and how it correlates with environmental and fishing operational variables. Present study aims to evaluate and quantify the spatio-temporal patterns of the sea turtles C. caretta and D. coriacea bycatch off Southeast/South Brazil, based on data collected by Project TAMAR - ICMBio between 2003 and 2010, from an observer program on-board the commercial pelagic longline fleet, as well as to correlate them with environmental, biological and operational variables,. Statistical methods such as Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) were applied. Interannual and seasonal variations were observed, with a higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) during fall. The sea surface temperature was the abiotic variable that most correlated with CPUE of C. caretta, being the type of bait the most significant operational variable. For D. coriacea, depth and longitude were the factors that better explained the CPUE. Ontogenetic distribution patterns and priority areas for the species conservation are discussed, as well as the potential effects of ocean warming. This study should contribute to the definition of conservation policies as well as to the ecosystem approach to fisheries context

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Las tortugas bobas son organismos de gran movilidad que ocupan hábitats extensos y diversos, lo que las expone a varias amenazas que pueden afectar negativamente a la persistencia de sus poblaciones. Delinear medidas prioritarias de conservación para esta especie es todo un reto debido a la escasez del conocimiento integrado sobre su supervivencia, uso de hábitat y exposición relativa a amenazas, especialmente durante las primeras etapas de su ciclo vital. En la cuenca occidental del mar Mediterráneo esto adquiere mayor relevancia si se contextualiza en el proceso de colonización que está teniendo lugar en la zona durante la última década. Se ha registrado un aumento en el número de nidos y hembras nidificantes, para cuya protección se han tomado medidas de gestión como la reubicación de nidos y la inclusión de neonatos en programas de "head-starting". Esta coyuntura ha ofrecido una oportunidad única para incrementar el conocimiento sobre la supervivencia, dispersión y uso de hábitat de hembras nidificantes y post-neonatos de tortuga boba. Ninguna investigación previa ha realizado un seguimiento por satélite de hembras nidificantes en el Mediterráneo occidental, ni de post-neonatos mediterráneos con tamaño inferior a 35 cm. La finalidad de esta tesis es abordar las lagunas de conocimiento mencionadas y aportar herramientas para mejorar las estrategias de planificación marina dirigidas a la conservación de la tortuga boba en el Mediterráneo. Los principales objetivos fueron: i) proporcionar las primeras estimaciones empíricas de supervivencia de post-neonatos, ii) dilucidar las rutas de dispersión y el uso de hábitat en las diferentes etapas del ciclo vital, iii) identificar áreas relevantes para su protección, iv) evaluar la eficacia de las actuales áreas marinas protegidas (AMPs) para la conservación de la tortuga boba, y v) proponer medidas de conservación basadas en el análisis espacial. Para ello, se analizaron las trayectorias de 117 tortugas seguidas vía satélite entre 2003 y 2022. Estos datos incluyen las primeras trayectorias de hembras nidificantes en España y de post-neonatos mediterráneos, que se han publicado en un repositorio. Además, se realizó la primera evaluación del uso de hábitat y de AMPs por tortugas bobas marcadas en el Mediterráneo occidental, a lo largo de su ciclo vital. Los resultados de esta tesis muestran, por primera vez, la capacidad de supervivencia y dispersión, así como uso de hábitat de post-neonatos de tortuga boba en el Mediterráneo. Los mares Jónico y de Levante se identificaron como zonas potenciales de desarrollo de post-neonatos. Por otro lado, las hembras mostraron dos comportamientos diferentes durante el periodo de inter-anidación: i) fidelidad a la zona de nidificación, o ii) comportamiento exploratorio de nidificación. Durante la etapa no reproductora, la mayoría de las hembras permanecieron alimentándose en aguas oceánicas de la cuenca argelina. Además, se registró por primera vez la reemigración de esta especie para nidificar de nuevo en España, lo que confirma que las hembras pueden mostrar un cierto grado de fidelidad al lugar de nidificación entre ciclos reproductores. La presente tesis confirma la importancia de la cuenca argelina para las tortugas bobas del Mediterráneo occidental, en particular para los juveniles y adultos. Otras zonas identificadas como importantes son el sur del mar Balear, el mar de Alborán, el canal de Sicilia, el noreste de Túnez, las aguas de Malta, el mar Tirreno y el mar Jónico, según la etapa vital. El análisis de la distribución espacial de la tortuga boba también ha revelado que la distribución y cobertura actuales de las AMPs mediterráneas no contribuyen a alcanzar los objetivos de conservación para esta especie. Los resultados obtenidos en esta tesis contribuyen al conocimiento de la supervivencia y uso espacial de la tortuga boba a lo largo de su ciclo vital en el mar Mediterráneo. / [CA] Les tortugues babaues són organismes de gran mobilitat que ocupen hàbitats extensos i diversos, la qual cosa les exposa a diverses amenaces que poden afectar negativament la persistència de les seues poblacions. Delinear mesures prioritàries de conservació per a aquesta espècie és tot un repte degut a l'escassetat del coneixement integrat sobre la seua supervivència, ús d'hàbitat i exposició relativa a amenaces, especialment durant les primeres etapes del seu cicle vital. En la conca occidental de la mar Mediterrània això adquireix major rellevància si es contextualitza en el procés de colonització que està tenint lloc en la zona durant l'última dècada. S'ha registrat un augment en el nombre de nius i femelles nidificants, per a la protecció de les quals s'han pres mesures de gestió com la reubicació de nius i la inclusió de nounats en programes de "*head-*starting". Aquesta conjuntura ha oferit una oportunitat única per a incrementar el coneixement sobre la supervivència, dispersió i ús d'hàbitat de femelles nidificants i post-nounats de tortuga babaua. Cap investigació prèvia ha realitzat un seguiment per satèl·lit de femelles nidificants en el Mediterrani occidental, ni de post-nounats mediterranis amb grandària inferior a 35 cm. La finalitat d'aquesta tesi és abordar les llacunes de coneixement esmentades i aportar eines per a millorar les estratègies de planificació marina dirigides a la conservació de la tortuga babaua al Mediterrani. Els principals objectius van ser: i) proporcionar les primeres estimacions empíriques de supervivència de post-nounats, *ii) dilucidar les rutes de dispersió i l'ús d'hàbitat en les diferents etapes del cicle vital, *iii) identificar àrees rellevants per a la seua protecció, *iv) avaluar l'eficàcia de les actuals àrees marines protegides (*AMPs) per a la conservació de la tortuga babaua, i *v) proposar mesures de conservació basades en l'anàlisi espacial. Per a això, es van analitzar les trajectòries de 117 tortugues seguides via satèl·lit entre 2003 i 2022. Aquestes dades inclouen les primeres trajectòries de femelles nidificants a Espanya i de post-nounats mediterranis, que s'han publicat en un repositori. A més, es va realitzar la primera avaluació de l'ús d'hàbitat i de *AMPs per tortugues babaues marcades en el Mediterrani occidental, al llarg del seu cicle vital. Els resultats d'aquesta tesi mostren, per primera vegada, la capacitat de supervivència i dispersió, així com ús d'hàbitat de post-nounats de tortuga babaua al Mediterrani. Les mars Jònic i de Llevant es van identificar com a zones potencials de desenvolupament de post-nounats. D'altra banda, les femelles van mostrar dos comportaments diferents durant el període de *inter-implantació: i) fidelitat a la zona de nidificació, o *ii) comportament exploratori de nidificació. Durant l'etapa no reproductora, la majoria de les femelles van romandre alimentant-se en aigües oceàniques de la conca algeriana. A més, es va registrar per primera vegada la reemigració d'aquesta espècie per a nidificar de nou a Espanya, la qual cosa confirma que les femelles poden mostrar un cert grau de fidelitat al lloc de nidificació entre cicles reproductors. La present tesi confirma la importància de la conca algeriana per a les tortugues babaues del Mediterrani occidental, en particular per als juvenils i adults. Altres zones identificades com a importants són el sud de la mar Balear, la mar d'Alborán, el canal de Sicília, el nord-est de Tunísia, les aigües de Malta, la mar Tirrena i la mar Jònica, segons l'etapa vital. L'anàlisi de la distribució espacial de la tortuga babaua també ha revelat que la distribució i cobertura actuals de les *AMPs mediterrànies no contribueixen a aconseguir els objectius de conservació per a aquesta espècie. Els resultats obtinguts en aquesta tesi contribueixen al coneixement de la supervivència i ús espacial de la tortuga babaua al llarg del seu cicle vital en la mar Mediterrània. / [EN] Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are highly mobile organisms, which occupy diverse habitats that often span large distances, exposing them to threats that can negatively impact the ability of their populations to persist. Delineating conservation priority measures for this species is challenging since integrated knowledge on survival, habitat use and the relative exposure to threats remains scarce, especially during the early life stages. In the western Mediterranean basin this is particularly relevant when considering the current colonization process taking place in the area within the last decade. During recent years, records on nesting females and clutches have increased and, when possible, management measures such as nest relocation and head-starting programs have been undertaken. This offers a unique opportunity to fill in the knowledge gaps on survival, dispersal routes and habitat use of loggerhead nesting females and post-hatchlings. No research prior to this thesis has satellite-tracked nesting and post-nesting females in the western Mediterranean, nor Mediterranean post-hatchlings smaller than 35 cm. The present thesis aims to address the aforementioned knowledge gaps and enhance marine planning strategies for loggerhead conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. The main objectives were: i) to provide the first empirical survival estimates for head-started post-hatchlings, ii) to elucidate the dispersal routes and habitat use at different life stages, iii) to identify areas that should be considered for protection, iv) to assess the effectiveness of current marine protected areas (MPAs) and other protection measures for loggerhead conservation, and v) to propose spatial conservation measures based on research findings. To achieve these objectives, trajectories of 117 turtles satellite-tracked between 2003 and 2022 were analyzed. This dataset includes the first tracking data of nesting and post-nesting females in Spain and Mediterranean post-hatchlings, which have been made publicly available in a data repository. Moreover, the first assessment of habitat use and the use of MPAs for loggerhead sea turtles tracked from western Mediterranean thorough their life cycle was conducted. The outcomes of this thesis revealed, for the first time, the capability of survival and dispersal, as well as the habitat use of post-hatchlings in the Mediterranean Sea. The Ionian and Levant Seas were identified as potential developmental areas for post-hatchlings. Nesting females exhibited three different behaviours during the inter-nesting period: i) some degree of fidelity to a nesting area, ii) an exploratory nesting behavior, or iii) movement towards oceanic waters after tagging. In addition, the first-time remigration of this species to nest in Spain was recorded, confirming that females show some degree of nest site fidelity between breeding cycles. During the non-breeding stage, females remained in most cases foraging in oceanic waters of the Algerian basin. The present thesis has validated the significance of the Algerian basin for loggerhead sea turtles satellite-tracked from the western Mediterranean, particularly for juveniles and adults. In addition, other important areas inhabited by the loggerhead turtles were identified in the southern Balearic Sea, the Alboran Sea, the Sicilian Channel, the Northeast Tunisia, Maltese waters, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, depending on the life stage. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the loggerhead sea turtle has also revealed that the current distribution and coverage of Mediterranean MPAs are not effective in achieving this species' conservation goals. Outcomes from the present thesis significantly enhance our understanding of the survival and spatial use of the loggerhead sea turtle throughout its life cycle in the Mediterranean Sea. / I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain for the opportunity to develop this thesis under the predoctoral training grant [FPU15/01823], MEC, Spain. Satellite tagging conducted in the Valencia region was supported by the “Servicio de Vida Silvestre de la Generalitat Valenciana”. Additionally, I am thankful for the support received from the contracts: “Seguimiento mediante marcaje satelital de 10 crías de tortuga boba (Caretta caretta) nacidas en 2016 en el litoral valenciano" and "Marcaje satelital y seguimiento de hembras reproductoras de tortuga boba (Caretta caretta) ante episodios de anidación en las playas del Mediterráneo peninsular y Baleares en 2019", both contracts in the framework of the project "LIFE IP-PAF INTEMARES [LIFE15 IPE ES 012] "Gestión integrada, innovadora y participativa de la Red Natura 2000 en el medio marino español”, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation. Similarly, I would like to mention and thank the support received from the contract "Marcaje satelital y seguimiento de hembras reproductoras de tortuga boba (Caretta caretta) ante eventos de anidación en el litoral español" funded by the "Ministerio de Transición Ecológica y Reto Demográfico", Spain. The results of Chapter 6 "Marine protected areas and loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean Sea" are also part of action C2.2 of the project LIFE IP INTEMARES. / Abalo Morla, S. (2023). Habitat use and distribution of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for marine planning strategies [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/199233 / Compendio