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Elusive aquatic wildlife, such as endangered sea turtles, are difficult to monitor and conserve. As novel molecular and genetic technologies develop, it is possible to adapt and optimize them for wildlife conservation. One such technology is environmental (e)DNA – the detection of DNA shed from organisms into their surrounding environments. We developed species‐specific green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle probe‐based qPCR assays, which can detect and quantify sea turtle eDNA in controlled (captive tank water and sand samples) and free ranging (oceanic water samples and nesting beach sand) settings. eDNA detection complemented traditional in‐water sea turtle monitoring by enabling detection even when turtles were not visually observed. Furthermore, we report that high throughput shotgun sequencing of eDNA sand samples enabled sea turtle population genetic studies and pathogen monitoring, demonstrating that noninvasive eDNA techniques are viable and efficient alternatives to biological sampling (e.g., biopsies and blood draws). Genetic information was obtained from sand many hours after nesting events, without having to observe or interact with the target individual. This greatly reduces the sampling stress experienced by nesting mothers and emerging hatchlings, and avoids sacrificing viable eggs for genetic analysis. The detection of pathogens from sand indicates significant potential for increased wildlife disease monitoring capacity and viral variant surveillance. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of eDNA approaches to ultimately help understand and conserve threatened species such as sea turtles. see also the Perspective by Taylor Matthew Wilcox and Mads Reinholdt Jensen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta ; Cc) and green sea (Chelonia mydas ; Cm) turtles admitted to rehabilitation facilities may require blood transfusions for supportive treatment of disorders resulting in life-threatening anemia, but, considering the unique erythrocyte chemistry of sea turtles, standardized donor red blood cell (RBC) storage protocols have not been established. Prolonged cold storage and the effects of various anticoagulant-preservative solutions have been associated with increased RBC osmotic fragility across a broad range of species. Increased RBC fragility in stored RBC products has been associated with acute transfusion reactions. The osmotic fragility test is used to measure erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis while being exposed to a series of dilutions of a saline solution. We obtained baseline measurements for osmotic fragility in healthy Cc and Cm. Osmotic fragility testing was performed on samples from 10 Cc to 10 Cm. Fifty percent (50%) RBC hemolysis was identified at a mean NaCl concentration of 0.38% in both species. Results of our study will help guide future studies evaluating optimal storage solutions for sea turtle blood products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine debris ingestion and entanglement have caused morbidity and mortality in multiple marine species, including all seven species of sea turtles. This case series outlines six cases in which advanced imaging modalities were used to diagnose marine debris–induced foreign body obstructions and to aid in the treatment of wounds caused by marine debris entanglement. Prefemoral ultrasonography was used to correctly diagnose a monofilament fishing line linear foreign body obstruction in a juvenile female Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and a subadult female loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Administration of iodinated contrast confirmed a complete upper gastrointestinal obstruction in a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Traditional radiographs were nondiagnostic in all three animals. Barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres were used to identify a partial gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in a juvenile green sea turtle. Endoscopy was used in multiple cases as both a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool. This case series demonstrates that contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and endoscopy are accurate diagnostic tools for the identification of marine debris–induced foreign body obstructions in sea turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]