Drones Reveal Hidden Sea Turtle Hotspot

Scientists have used drones to video green turtles feeding in Aotearoa waters for the first time. Rangaunu Harbour in northern Aotearoa New Zealand was surveyed last summer to assess the feasibility of aerial drones for monitoring green turtles. The team found a potential of 18 unique individuals from 27 sightings. Green turtles are the only sea turtle species to reside year-round in New Zealand waters, with juveniles using shallow coastal habitats as foraging grounds before dispersing throughout the Pacific. The survey, Trialling a honu monitoring tool for iwi-led honu reporting in Te Hiku, was a collaboration between Ngāi Takato, Ngāti Kahu, Moana Whenua Trust Limited, Department of Conservation, Conservation International, and Auckland Museum. 📸MV Erdmann-Conservation International #shorts