‘Blue Corridors for Turtles’ is a new initiative that aims to map as much available data as possible about sea turtles including their DNA, habitats, and migration routes. Never before have satellite tracking data and genetic information of sea turtles been brought together on a global scale.

WWF and its partners have begun combining data on migration routes, nesting beaches, and genetics for the first time. This unique approach helps fill critical knowledge gaps about sea turtles in more than 50 countries, allowing for improved protection strategies.

The Largest Sea Turtle Data Collection Ever
The Blue Corridors are identified using an extensive range of data. This report brings together the world’s largest datasets on sea turtle nesting beaches, satellite tracking systems, and genetic information.

1. So far, 166 genetically distinct sea turtle populations have been identified worldwide, based on data from multiple sources, including ShellBank – the world’s first global sea turtle DNA database. The name ShellBank refers to the turtles’ shell.
2. Over 4,000 nesting sites across 147 countries have been mapped, thanks to data from the State of the World’s Turtles (SWOT).
   More than 1,000 satellite tracks have been compiled for all 7 sea turtle species.

Nathalie Houtman, Ocean Expert at WWF-NL: “Sea turtles have existed for millions of years, but now 6 out of 7 species are threatened. With ‘Blue Corridors’, we can use comprehensive knowledge about their full range to support cross-border conservation and research, and ultimately help their populations recover.”

A green turtle having a rest. © Mike Ball Dive Expeditions / WWF-Australië

One Big ‘Obstacle Swim’
Sea turtles migrate over vast distances, sometimes thousands of kilometers per year, crossing country borders and international waters. Throughout their life cycle, they face numerous threats such as bycatch, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Houtman: “These iconic animals are vital for healthy oceans, and healthy oceans are essential for us too.”

A Win-Win-Win Situation
Houtman: “By mapping and protecting Blue Corridors, we can make key feeding areas, nesting beaches, and migration routes – which are critical for sea turtle survival – much safer. And when we protect sea turtles and their habitats, we also safeguard many other marine species. On top of that, this protection helps us meet international obligations, such as those under the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). So it’s a win-win-win situation.”

Blue Corridors for Turtles is coordinated by WWF in collaboration with CMS, the University of Queensland, ShellBank, State of the World’s Sea Turtles, and the CLS Group. The initiative contributes to the mission of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group.