01 CMTTP FY22 SOO.pdf

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Sea Turtle Tag Distribution and Management of the Cooperative Marine Turtle Tagging Program (CMTTP)

Introduction: Mark-recapture data are used to understand animal movements, to estimate growth, demographic parameters and vital rates, and to estimate population size – all needed in support of stock assessments. The Cooperative Marine Turtle Tagging Program (CMTTP) was established to distribute tags, to provide a clearinghouse for data on all flipper tags, to prevent duplication of tags, to facilitate exchange of tag data among researchers, and to archive and collate data on all tag series. In response to those needs the CMTTP has catalogued all NMFS Atlantic tagging data and assists tagging programs worldwide in the exchange and dissemination of tag data and tag related information. Protocols for the distribution and application of CMTTP tags and policies regarding the use of tag data and tag ownership have been developed [https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/]. All data submitted are archived as hard copy and electronic files.

The CMTTP was maintained at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) beginning in 1980, at a time when there were several entities purchasing, distributing, and applying tags to sea turtles. From 1980 to 1999 142,000 inconel, monel, and plastic tags were distributed and approximately 7500 recaptures were reported. By early April 1999, there were two sea turtle tag distribution centers in the southeast U.S.: NMFS SEFSC and the University of Florida Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research (ACCSTR). The ACCSTR distributed tags to many collaborators in all areas of the world since 1955, having distributed over 220,000 tags. The ACCSTR has established an internationally known database system and communication network. Individuals of that network communicate throughout the world with local fishermen and other citizens and help to arrange for the return of tags from captured turtles. In April 1999, the activities of the two groups were consolidated, transferring NMFS’ CMTTP management to the ACCSTR. This served to eliminate the duplication of necessary infrastructure, saving federal dollars, and to minimize the duplication of tag identification numbers among programs and the confusion associated with returning recovered tags to two separate entities. The CMTTP distributes about 9,000 tags annually, manages a database with over 164,000 records, and integrates databases from approximately 70 cooperators in the CMTTP program. The CMTTP also maintains a PIT tag database with about 70,000 PIT tag identification numbers submitted by tagging programs throughout the Atlantic. Annually, the CMTTP documents 1,300 to 3,700 recaptures of tagged turtles, including distant recaptures, sightings of re-nesting turtles, and strandings.

Project Period: October 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023 with four (4) consecutive option years

Objectives: • Centralize the tagging records for all sea turtle tagging activities in the western North Atlantic.

• Facilitate the distribution of sea turtle tags throughout the western North Atlantic.

• Centralize the tag release and recovery records for all sea turtle tagging activities in the western North Atlantic.

• Facilitate the exchange of tagging information among sea turtle researchers.

• Improve the ability of managers to recover sea turtle populations by providing access to the databases.

• Maintain a webpage for the CMTTP.

Description of Work

• Purchase and distribute tags (#681 Inconel) and applicators according to NMFS/CMTTP tagging protocol

[https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/].

• Maintain database for tag distribution records and webpage for tag distribution inventory

[https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/].

• Archive, as hard copy or electronic files, all tagging data submitted by the cooperating tagging programs.

• Maintain the databases for tag releases.

• Maintain the databases of recovery records from recaptured turtles.

• Continue to reorganize and improve database structure to facilitate use for conservation management purposes.

• Disseminate data to “data owners” (per CMTTP policy) as requested.

• Facilitate the sharing of tagging information among researchers.

• Provide updated files to NMFS annually.

• Maintain the CMTTP webpage [https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/].

• Provide 6-month and annual summary of activities.

Deliverables

A progress report covering the first 6 months of the award period will be submitted by April 15th. An annual report and electronic version of the database will be submitted within 30 days of the end of the contract period annually.

Vendor shall invoice twice per year, consecutively with the submission of each report.

https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/ https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/ https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/ https://accstr.ufl.edu/resources/tagging-program-cmttp/