Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which allows a qualified individual to carry a concealed weapon in states that allow individuals to carry concealed weapons.
“This is a historic day for law-abiding gun owners and an affirmation that our constitutional right to keep and bear arms does not end when we leave our home state,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Florida operates the nation’s largest concealed weapon licensing program, and national reciprocity will reduce the burden on Floridians who travel out of state with their guns.”
Florida currently operates the nation’s largest concealed weapon licensing program with more than 1.8 million active licenses and has reciprocity agreements with 36 other states.
Since coming into to office, Commissioner Putnam has worked to make applying for or renewing a Florida concealed weapon license as convenient and efficient as possible. In 2014, Commissioner Putnam launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with county tax-collector’s offices to receive applications, take fingerprints and send the information to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for processing. To date, 51 counties participate in the program and nearly 250,000 Floridians have applied for or renewed a concealed weapons license at a tax-collector’s office.
The department also expedites concealed weapon license applications for all active military members and veterans. To date, more than 90,000 active military members and veterans have received expedited concealed weapon licenses. And for the third time since taking office, Commissioner Putnam announced in June of 2017 that the fee to apply for or renew a concealed weapon license was lowered.
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Permanent Expansion of Bright Futures Scholarship Heads to Senate Floor
SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships
Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018, sponsored by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton), today passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Having passed three committees of reference, the legislation will be available for consideration on the Senate Floor when the 2018 Legislative Session convenes in early January. Senate Bill 4 expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda advanced last session in the Senate, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). The legislation was amended today to appropriate approximately $131 million to fund the scholarship programs addressed in the bill for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.
“Today we amended Senate Bill 4 to include summer Bright Futures funding for our Medallion Scholars, beginning in 2019,” said Senator Galvano. “As we have worked on this legislation over the last two years and listened to students from across the state, it is clear that the availability of summer funding for Bright Futures plays a key role in the ability of our students to graduate on-time.”
“I am pleased to see this legislation advance to the Senate Floor and look forward to seeing it pass early in the 2018 Legislative Session,” said President Negron. “Students and families deserve certainty when planning for their financial investment in a college or university education. This legislation ensures the permanent expansion of Bright Futures so students can count on the full value of the scholarships they worked hard to earn.”
Summary of Senate Bill 4 – The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018
PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Senate Bill 4 expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding and establishes flexible tuition policies available to families so every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities has the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support
- Expands need-based state aid, and university or college gift aid, for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Expands the First Generation Matching Grant Program to include community college students and doubles the state match for private donations supporting the program (2:1 match).
- Creates a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn technical and college credentials.
- Expands merit-based state gift aid for high-performing students.
- Reinstates full funding of the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus $300 in fall and spring semesters to cover instructional materials and other costs, beginning in this 2017-2018 academic year.
- Guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
- Reinstates funding for the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year.
- As amended today, the legislation guarantees funding for 2019 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar awards.
- Expands Benacquisto Scholarship awards (full cost of attendance) to recruit out-of-state National Merit Scholar award winners.
Establishes Flexible Tuition and Fee Policies
- Requires universities to implement an institutional block tuition and fee policy for full-time, in-state, undergraduate resident students.
- Fall 2018 semester implementation for at least the entering freshman class – may be extended to include other students.
- Must accommodate full-time student enrollment in at least 30 credits across any combination of fall, spring, or summer terms of the academic year.
- Must maximize accelerated and transfer credit to facilitate on-time graduation and minimize excess hours.
- Must be publicly approved by university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors, with updates and progress reports provided to the Legislature.
Increases Student Access to Internship and Job Opportunities
- Requires each state university to use labor market projections and related degree production analyses to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields.
RECRUIT AND RETAIN TOP FACULTY
Senate Bill 4 expands and enhances policy and funding tools state universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enrich professional and graduate school strength and viability, and bring aging infrastructure and research laboratories into the 21st century.
Establishes World Class Faculty Scholar Program
- Creates the World Class Faculty Scholar Program to help universities recruit, recognize, and retain exemplary faculty, research scholars, and expert teams.
Establishes University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program
- Creates the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and excellence in university professional schools, and improve graduate study outcomes in high-impact fields of medicine, law, and business.
ELEVATE UNIVERSITY DISTINCTION AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Senate Bill 4 ensures universities remain accountable to Florida taxpayers by refining university performance expectations to incentivize and reward state university performance excellence and recognition in academics, instruction, research, and community accomplishments and achievements.
Incentivizes On-Time Graduation of Full-Time Students
- Refines university performance expectations to incentivize and reward institutions for graduating full-time bachelor degree students in four years.
- Preeminent State Research University: Upgrades the graduation metric to a 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher. The current metric is a 6-year rate at 70 percent or higher. The bill provides one transitional year for any university having earned preeminent or emerging preeminent status based on the 2018 determination under current metrics to maintain that status for the 2018-19 academic year and receive 2018-19 preeminence funds accordingly.
- University Performance Incentive Funding: Updates metrics to specify a 4-year graduation rate and require benchmarks for the “access” metric that reward institutions for performance success in serving Pell grant students.
- Tightens state university relationships with their direct-support organizations’ leadership, use of funds, and public disclosure activities.
Promotes State University Programs of Excellence
- Directs the Board of Governors to establish standards and measures to recognize, enhance, and promote individual degree programs in state universities across the system, which reflect national excellence, prominence, and distinction.
For more information, please visit www.FLSenate.gov.
Florida congressional delegation fails to stand up for environment and families' health on more than 50% of votes
Environment Florida today released its federal scorecard evaluating how the Florida congressional delegation has voted when it comes to supporting clean air, clean water and other environmental protections. Absences count against a member’s score. State Director Jennifer Rubiello released the following statement:
“The country is terribly polarized these days on all sorts of issues, including the need to protect our environment. It shouldn’t be this way and it didn’t used to be. Although we do have a number of champs from both political parties, unfortunately more often than not the Florida delegation is no exception.
“Overall, the U.S. Senate scored only 48% and the U.S. House of Representatives scored 45%, which does not bode well for our air or water. The two Florida senators averaged 50% and our representatives averaged 50%, so we are actually just at the national average.
“That said, we in Florida can be proud that 2 members from both branches, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and U.S. Representative Darren Soto, voted with us 100% of the time.
“Many legislators were out of town in early September because of Hurricane Irma which means they missed votes. Were it not for the hurricane, based on past voting records and other work likely at least ⅓ of the Florida congressional delegation would have scored over 90%, had they been present. We are confident Florida’s environment and families are represented by many real environmental champs. These members include U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist, and U.S. Representative Ted Deutch.
“It’s also good news that ⅔ of members were willing to part with their Republican colleagues to protect the environment on a variety of issues. Of this group U.S. Representative Brian Mast, U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo stand out for their work.
“But, unfortunately Florida also had 6 members, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Ted Yoho, U.S. Representative Bill Posey, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative Dennis Ross, and U.S. Representative Francis Rooney, who voted with us 0% of the time.
“The Florida delegation is a mixed bag when it comes to the environment. Here’s hoping our Congresspeople uniformly start to show the kind of strong and effective leadership we need to reflect the core environmental values so many of us share.”
Florida congressional delegation fails to stand up for environment and families’ health on more than 50% of votes
Environment Florida today released its federal scorecard evaluating how the Florida congressional delegation has voted when it comes to supporting clean air, clean water and other environmental protections. Absences count against a member’s score. State Director Jennifer Rubiello released the following statement:
“The country is terribly polarized these days on all sorts of issues, including the need to protect our environment. It shouldn’t be this way and it didn’t used to be. Although we do have a number of champs from both political parties, unfortunately more often than not the Florida delegation is no exception.
“Overall, the U.S. Senate scored only 48% and the U.S. House of Representatives scored 45%, which does not bode well for our air or water. The two Florida senators averaged 50% and our representatives averaged 50%, so we are actually just at the national average.
“That said, we in Florida can be proud that 2 members from both branches, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and U.S. Representative Darren Soto, voted with us 100% of the time.
“Many legislators were out of town in early September because of Hurricane Irma which means they missed votes. Were it not for the hurricane, based on past voting records and other work likely at least ⅓ of the Florida congressional delegation would have scored over 90%, had they been present. We are confident Florida’s environment and families are represented by many real environmental champs. These members include U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, U.S. Representative Charlie Crist, and U.S. Representative Ted Deutch.
“It’s also good news that ⅔ of members were willing to part with their Republican colleagues to protect the environment on a variety of issues. Of this group U.S. Representative Brian Mast, U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo stand out for their work.
“But, unfortunately Florida also had 6 members, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, U.S. Representative Ted Yoho, U.S. Representative Bill Posey, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative Dennis Ross, and U.S. Representative Francis Rooney, who voted with us 0% of the time.
“The Florida delegation is a mixed bag when it comes to the environment. Here’s hoping our Congresspeople uniformly start to show the kind of strong and effective leadership we need to reflect the core environmental values so many of us share.”
Saco appointed, Wendt reappointed to Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees
Governor Rick Scott has reappointed Gary Wendt, and the State Board of Governors appointed Dr. Louis Saco to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees.
Wendt has served on the Board since May. Currently the Chairman of the Board of Deerpath Capital Management, LP, he has also been Chairman and CEO of GE Capital and Conseco, Inc. Active in the state and local non-profit community, he is a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Executive Committee and is a Board member of the Broward County chapter. Wendt is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Harvard Business School, and is the current Vice Chairman of the State of Florida’s Investment Advisory Council.
“I’m honored to stay with this talented board,” said Wendt. “As Florida Poly comes into its own and increases its impact, I thank the Governor for the opportunity to continue my involvement.”
Dr. Saco was effusive. “Poly is an exciting place to be. My medical background has shown me the importance of technological innovation, and I’m energized to have a hand on the wheel of such a center of progress.”
Saco is the CEO of Watson Clinic, LLP, Chair of Watson Clinic Foundation Board of Directors, and medical director and member of Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center. His non-profit work includes the boards of Florida Southern College, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, and the Learning Resource Center. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida School of Business, and an MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine.
“Both of these gentlemen have achieved tremendous success throughout their careers, and the Board as a whole will benefit from their experience and expertise,” said Chairman of the Board Frank T. Martin. “It’s admirable that they chose to help us build and guide this excellent institution. Florida Poly continues to blossom, and we welcome Dr. Saco and welcome back Trustee Wendt as we continue to reach new heights.”
Florida Polytechnic firmly believes that the arrival of Dr. Saco and the continued presence of Trustee Wendt will bolster an already impressive board. They will help drive the University to become an ever-greater asset to the state, the public, and the economy at large. As we train the future leaders of tomorrow and stay on the cutting edge of technological development, we are glad to have both men as Trustees.
Dr. Saco and Mr. Wendt’s terms will begin on November 9 and end on June 30, 2022. Both appointees are subject to Florida Senate confirmation.
The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees was established in 2012 to govern and set policy for the University. Six members are appointed by the Florida Governor, and five members are appointed by the State University System of Florida Board of Governors. In addition, two seats are reserved for a student and a faculty representative.
For more information, visit Florida Poly’s Board of Trustees page.
Senator Bill Nelson statement on Franken
Following is a statement from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on Sen. Al Franken:
“Sexual harassment is never acceptable. I agree with a majority of the Democratic senators that Sen. Franken should step aside.”
FWC Investigator Paul Hein Receives Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award
Monroe County resident Paul Hein, a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has received the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Award for Marine Conservation.
Investigator Hein was honored at the December FWC Commission meeting in Gainesville for his exemplary performance conserving marine resources and ensuring public safety through enforcement of state Boating Under the Influence regulations. Fish & Wildlife Foundation CEO Andrew Walker made the presentation on behalf of the GHOF.
“Investigator Hein was nominated by his colleagues in recognition of his dedication, teamwork in and outside FWC, and overall record enforcing state conservation and boating laws,” Walker said. “His undergraduate and graduate training in biology and ecological restoration and conservation enhances his ability to work with the public and numerous partner organizations and outdoor recreation groups.”
In addition to collaborating daily with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, Investigator Hein regularly assists the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Border Patrol with migrant landings and search-and-rescue missions in coastal waters. He’s also worked with youth on Islamorada and donates fish to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center for food for the birds. He’s been honored as the Coastal Conservation Association’s 2016 Officer of the Year and, along with five of his colleagues, by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for efforts to prevent boating under the influence. He’s also a member of the FWC’s first south Florida dive team and a certified Drug Recognition Expert.
“Investigator Hein’s performance since joining the FWC in 2014 has been outstanding,” said Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Executive Director Greg Jacoski. “His work ethic, conservation knowledge, and judgment and skill working with the public make him a strong conservationist of marine resources and protector of safety on the water.”
Investigator Hein will be receiving a $1,000 honorarium and a two-night stay at a Guy Harvey Outpost as part of the Award.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, in partnership with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, created the Guy Harvey Marine Conservation Award to recognize sworn and non-sworn FWC employees who distinguish themselves through exemplary service and dedication to public safety and acts or accomplishments toward the conservation of Florida’s marine resources. Investigator Hein is the second FWC staff member to be honored, following Officer Philip Stone’s recognition earlier this year for his success protecting Florida’s sea turtle populations.
About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science. Having graduated with honors in marine biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Harvey returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Harvey has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. For more information, visit GuyHarvey.com.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem, and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.
About Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to enhance the conservation work of the FWC and other public and private partners. FWFF also supports the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, which annually provides more than 120,000 youth with formative outdoor experiences via summer camps, school programs and other activities. For more information, visit WildlifeFlorida.org or call 941-809-7805.
Mast Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Disabled Veterans
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18)—along with Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV)—introduced bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to increase healthcare opportunities for disabled veterans. The Fair Access to Insurance for Retired (FAIR) Heroes Act will allow veterans who were medically discharged to choose their healthcare coverage through Medicare or TRICARE.
“I know as well as anyone the bureaucratic healthcare maze that awaits injured veterans when they get home,” Rep. Mast said. It’s complex and not always in the best interest of our vets. Right now severely injured veterans can’t even access their TRICARE benefits without first dipping into Medicare money that could be going to care for our seniors. That’s the epitome of bad government bureaucracy. This bipartisan bill will make government more efficient and ensure our seriously injured veterans have access to the health care that best fits their needs.”
Disabled veterans lose access to TRICARE, the military’s health system, if they have filed for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. They must instead enroll in Medicare Part B, where premiums are nearly five times higher than TRICARE. Allowing disabled veterans a choice could save them up to $1,300 a year.
“Considering the sacrifices veterans make on our behalf, we owe it them to ensure they are getting the care they deserve and in the manner that is best for them,” Rep. Davis said. “The FAIR Heroes act will give our veterans greater choices in where to get the healthcare plan that works for them.”
Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Along with the support of the Wounded Warriors Project, the FAIR Heroes Act has been endorsed by the Air Force Association, Association of the United States Army, Association of the United States Navy, AMVETS, Army Aviation Association of America, Chief Warrant & Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Got Your 6, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, the National Military Family Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Service Women’s Action Network, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
The James Madison Institute: Repeal Heavy-Handed Legislation to Save Money, Create Opportunities for Florida’s Working Poor
In a lean budget year, the best way for the state to save money and give an economic boost to Florida’s working poor is to repeal or amend heavy-handed legislation that blocks employment or access to health care and criminalizes addiction. That’s the conclusion of The James Madison Institute (JMI), as argued in a series of issue briefs in the conservative, free-market think tank’s latest edition of The Journal.
JMI Vice President of Policy Sal Nuzzo and JMI President Dr. Bob McClure urged the Legislature to take the following steps when it convenes next month in order to stimulate Florida’s economy, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and create growth opportunities for Florida’s working poor:
● Increase health care access by giving physical therapists direct access to patients, allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants a broader scope of practice, and allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication. Greater utilization of nonphysician health care professionals will help fill the gap expected as a result of Florida’s projected physician shortage – a gap of more than 4,500 doctors over the next 20 years – while increasing access to care.
● Eliminate unnecessary occupational licensing that creates barriers to employment in certain jobs such as cosmetologists, massage therapists, aestheticians, athletic trainers, manicurists, pest control workers, private detectives, and veterinary technicians. Florida is the fourth-most burdensome state in imposing occupational regulations, with licensing costs that impose the equivalent of a tax on service workers attempting to pursue new career opportunities.
● Restore judicial discretion for drug sentencing, ending minimum mandatory sentences for low-level, nonviolent offenses; raise Florida’s felony theft threshold; and reduce the number of offenses for which a driver’s license can be suspended. These reforms would produce substantial savings for the state – corrections spending is the third-largest portion of Florida’s budget, and minimum mandatory sentencing of drug offenders drives $106 million in spending. Florida’s felony theft threshold, which hasn’t been changed in more than 30 years, is just $300, compared with $2,500 in Texas. Additionally, Florida statutes are filled with non-driving offenses that result in driver’s license suspensions. Someone could be convicted of a felony for stealing a cell phone or incarcerated for failing to pay fines or fees or driving with a suspended license.
“Especially in a year when dollars are scarce the Florida Legislature should take commonsense steps to reduce regulations that create barriers to employment or health care,” said Nuzzo. “And smart-on-crime criminal justice reforms will reduce incarcerations in Florida, thereby reducing associated costs and preserving families in the process.”
The Journal is available HERE.
The James Madison Institute is Florida’s premier free-market think tank. JMI conducts research on such issues as health care, taxes, and regulatory environments. Founded in 1987, JMI is one of the nation’s oldest and largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational organizations.
Satellite Tracking Provides Clues About South Atlantic Sea Turtles’ Lost Years
A University of Central Florida biologist whose groundbreaking work tracking the movements of sea turtle yearlings in the North Atlantic Ocean attracted international attention has completed a similar study in the South Atlantic with surprising results.
South Atlantic sea turtles do not passively ride prevailing currents as historically assumed, but instead actively swim and orient to keep themselves offshore. Depending on whether they hatch early, in the middle or late in the sea turtle hatching season, they travel in different and sometimes opposite directions, including into the Northern Hemisphere.
“It is important from a conservation perspective to understand where the youngest sea turtles go and how they interact with their environment,” said biology Assistant Professor Kate Mansfield who led the study. “Knowing they disperse in different directions, depending on changes in ocean currents, will help us get a better sense of where and when we need conservation efforts to ensure continued survival of these protected species.”
The team’s findings are published today in the Proceedings of Royal Society B.
This study was a collaboration between UCF, Brazilian sea turtle conservation group Projeto TAMAR, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. The study of turtles in the South Atlantic helps build knowledge about the sea turtles’ “lost years,” the time after they hatch and head to sea, and before they return closer to shore as large juveniles several years to as much as a decade later. Very little is known about these young turtles during their early years at sea.
“This study helps fill some long-standing data gaps in our knowledge of the sea turtle life cycle among Brazilian turtles,” said Milagros Mendilaharsu, a co-author with Projeto TAMAR.
Young turtles have to survive several years in the open ocean and a couple decades in coastal waters before they reach maturity and can contribute to their populations, Mansfield said. Sea turtles are very late-maturing and long-lived creatures, which makes knowledge and understanding of the “lost years” challenging.
The team tracked 19 loggerhead turtles for more than 120 days off the coast of Bahia, Brazil. Turtles in the study were released early in the hatching season when prevailing currents are to the south, in the middle of the hatching season as currents begin to switch from north to south, and late in the hatching season when offshore currents head mostly to the north/northwest.
Passive floats, or oceanographic drifters, were released with the satellite-tagged turtles to test for their swimming behavior. The floats also served as a comparison between the turtles’ behavior and known passively drifting objects that would move with the currents.
The team found that early in the hatching season the majority of the turtles followed the strong southward currents. The turtles released in the middle of the season initially moved southward and three eventually veered to the north as the currents shifted. All drifters accompanying these turtles beached within a month, yet all turtles remained offshore.
Late in the hatching season, when currents flowed to the north and west, turtles uniformly moved north and northwestward across the equator. Mansfield said that active orientation combined with swimming behavior helps the turtles remain seaward of the Brazilian continental shelf instead of allowing themselves to be driven toward land like the drifters.
“Biologically speaking, this is fascinating,” Mansfield said.
Mansfield’s 2014 study, which looked at North Atlantic loggerhead turtles, gave some of the first insights into these “lost years.” In that study, many of the tracked turtles unexpectedly left the currents associated with the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, a large, circular current system in the North Atlantic Ocean, and entered the Sargasso Sea, an area inside the gyre. A similar gyre, the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, exists in the South Atlantic, but the sea turtles in the south did not act the same.
Fellow co-author Nathan Putman, a senior scientist with LGL Research, said the observed movement patterns may be “like money invested in a diverse suite of stocks. This may allow Brazilian turtles to spread risk for their offspring between two, largely independent, ocean basins, fostering a resilient population. In fact, that does seem to be the case for Brazil’s loggerheads.”
Unlike some other populations that have undergone dramatic declines or increases, these seem to be pretty steady – much like money invested in a diverse suite of stocks” said Putman.
Mansfield said: “As we track more young turtles in different ocean basins under different oceanographic conditions, we are finding that long-held assumptions and hypotheses about sea turtle “lost year” behavior are too limited—one hypothesis can’t explain all.”
With improving technology and miniaturization of satellite tags – such as tags developed by the ICARUS Initiative that Mansfield intends to deploy as part of the next steps in her research: icarusinitiative.org – the researchers said it will be exciting to learn more about these young seafarers.
