Leatherback Hatchlings Research
Annie Page-Karjian, Ph.D., clinical veterinarian and assistant research professor, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Leatherback Hatchlings Research

Study Shows Increased Physiological Stress When Hatchlings Emerge Later in Nesting Season

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch co-authored a study recently published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology B, dedicated to exploring decreasing population trends in numerous areas for the northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The researchers focused on establishing species- and life-stage class-specific blood analyte reference intervals (RIs) to better understand the future disturbances on organismal health of the leatherback sea turtle.

Researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from 176 naturally emerging leatherback hatchlings from 18 clutches to further explore RIs for morphometrics and blood analytes; the correlations between hatchling morphometrics, blood analytes and hatching success; and temporal trends in hatchling morphometrics and blood analytes across nesting season.

Read published article, here.

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Achiever Award

Annie Page-Karjian, Ph.D., clinical veterinarian and assistant research professor, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, was recently awarded the Young Achiever Award from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Page-Karjian, an alumna of CVM, who was recognized at an event with more than 300 attendees during the university’s alumni weekend, was given the award for her distinguished work, outstanding contributions and continued achievements in the field.

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