Growth Rates of Juvenile Loggerheads, Caretta caretta, in the Southern Bahamas

Measuring growth rates of sea turtles under natural conditions has received increased attention since it became clear that growth rates of wild turtles are much slower than those of captive sea turtles (Balazs, 1979; Limpus, 1979). Estimates of the age at which marine turtles attain sexual maturity based on captive growth rates have had to be revised. Knowledge of natural growth rates and age at sexual maturity are fundamental for understanding demography, assessing habitat quality, and designing appropriate management plans and conservation measures for these endangered species.