Size scaling of sea turtle reproduction may reconcile fundamental ecology and conservation strategies at the global scale

Aim The body size of marine megafauna can influence population dynamics because larger females have disproportionally greater reproductive output. We explored how this size scaling relationship can affect predictions of population size structure in nesting sea turtles by combining a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis with a long-term field nesting survey. Location Global (meta-analysis) and Malaysia (field survey). Time period Present. Major taxa studied Sea turtles. Methods We extracted body size and reproductive parameters of all sea turtle species from the literature and estimated the reproductive-energy output using allometric models. We then examined the relationship between body size and the proportion of protected nesting beaches by country as an indicator of conservation efforts on body size. Long-term monitoring (1993-2019) of body size and nesting data on green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Redang Island (Malaysia) was used to examine temporal changes in body size and fecundity and to test whether the size scaling of fecundity was isometric (linear) or allometric (curvilinear). Results We show that the total reproductive-energy output of larger nesting females was, on average, disproportionately greater in all sea turtle species. We found no strong correlations for countries with a higher proportion of protected nesting sites with female size. Finally, we showed that scaling-derived calculations of population-level yearly reproductive output in the green turtle population from Redang Island were more accurate when using a hyperallometric (rather than an isometric) relationship at the individual level. Main conclusions Understanding ecosystem function and conservation effort requires accurate predictions of population trends. Our findings highlight the necessity to account for scaling effects of body size in predicting anthropogenically mediated population shifts, and the need to protect large females in order to facilitate effective population replenishment.

Automated summary

The body size of marine megafauna can influence population dynamics, with larger females having disproportionately greater reproductive output. However, there is no strong correlation between the proportion of protected nesting sites and female size. Using a hyperallometric relationship at the individual level provides more accurate predictions of population-level yearly reproductive output.