Apports scientifiques à la conservation des tortues luths en Guyane française

The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) population in French Guiana and Suriname accounts for more than half of the species' females, and the vast majority of them currently nest on Awala-Yalimapo beach. The global population has declined sharply and the leatherback may be the most threatened of all the sea turtles. This makes conservation of the Guyanese population vital, especially since the number of eggs laid in French Guiana has also declined over recent years. The reasons for that decline in French Guiana are not always clear, but certain fishing methods may have a considerable impact. As the situation stands, the scientific work to monitor the population and discover the causes for its decline is cardinal to the Leatherback conservation strategy.