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Green sea turtle over seagrass bed. Photo Daniel Rimkus

Photo Identification

One activity of the Belize Turtle Watch Program is to document regularly sighted turtles and to use photo identification to determine their home range. Scientists use the scales on the side of turtle's heads to identify individuals that do not have obvious marks like a missing flipper or barnacles in older turtles. Please send us your photos so divers and snorkelers throughout Belize can work together to identify commonly sighted individuals!

Methodology

Using photographs to identify sea turtles has been done throughout their range.  In Hawaii scale patterns on green turtles have been used to identify individual turtles.  Leatherbacks are identified by the patterns of white spots on their soft shell.  Hawksbills and loggerheads can be identified by the presence of large embedded barnacles in the carapace.  Some turtles can also be identified by missing flippers or pieces of the carapace edge from shark bite marks.  
When no obvious marks make it easy to identify individual turtles than patterns of color on their shell and beak can be compared.   Photo collages of sea turtles are very useful for identification.  For your easy reference please refer to the diagrams below for a sea turtle external anatomy used to described scutes and scales of sea turtles that are used in species identification. 
Please be sure to take and submit as many pictures as possible of turtles observed that will enable us find unique characteristics that can be used in identification.  Please remember to never chase or grab turtles to take pictures.  By using photo ID we aim to identify abundance and range of sea turtles that forage on our many popular dive and snorkel sites in Belize, so be sure and submit your pictures today!  

NORTHERN BELIZE BARRIER REEF - AMBERGRIS CAYE
HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES

M & M
July 24, 2011

This hawksbill turtle was observed by Helene Hess on Ambergris Caye on July 24, 2011 at M&M dive site.  We'll be looking to compare the blacking coloration in her beak to other turtles sighted in the area.
Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2011

November 18, 2011

This hawksbill was observed off in the distance by Helene Hess on November 18, 2011 while diving off Ambergris Caye.
Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2011

Tackle Box
August 14, 2011

Gordon Kirkwood observed this hawsbill turtle on August 14, 2011 at Tacklebox. This turtle has a large white spot on the 4th left lateral scute that can be used in identification.  Let us know if you see her at another site!
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Tres Cocos
February 3, 2012

On February 3, 2012, Gordon Kirkwood saw this hawksbill turtle at Tres Cocos dive site in Hol Chan.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

M & M
March 11, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Mermaid's Laird
March 17, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Captain's Canyon
March 24, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

M & M Canyon
March 31, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

M & M Canyon
March 31, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

M & M Canyon
March 31, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Caverns of Love
March 31, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Caverns of Love
March 31, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Captain's Canyon
April 7, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

M & M Canyon
April 11, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Mata Canyon
May 23, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012


BELIZE BARRIER REEF - AMBERGRIS CAYE - GREEN SEA TURTLES

Hol Chan
Jun 25, 2011

Picture
Photo Helen Hesse 2011
This green turtle was observed by Helen Hesse in Hol Chan on June 25, 2011.  This turtle should be easy to identify since most likely she is one of the residents turtle at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.  We will compare the scales on the side of her head to other pictures submitted of green turtles in the area.

Hol Chan
March 1, 2012

Picture
Photo Cheryl Bowen 2012

Hol Chan
March 6, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Hol Chan
March 6, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012
Another shot of the green turtle (same as turtle to the left) that Helene Hess Observed at Hol Chan on March 6, 2012.

Hol Chan
March 1, 2012

Another shot of the green turtle (same turtle as the photo to the left) spotted by Cheryl Bowen in Hol Chan on March 1, 2012.
Picture
Photo Cheryl Bowen 2012

Ambergris Caye
May 8, 2012

Picture
Photo Tamara Sniffin 2012

Captain's Canyon
July 7th, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012


BELIZE BARRIER REEF - AMBERGRIS CAYE - LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES

August 5, 2010

This loggerhead was observed by Helene Hess on August 5, 2010 by Ambergris Caye.  This is a very old male loggerhead sea turtle with 3 barnacles on the right side if his carapace that we can use for identification.  Adult male loggerheads are commonly reported in the spring time leading up to mating season, so this observation of one in August is interesting.
Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2010

Tackle Box
March 4, 2011

On March 4, 2011, Gordon Kirkwood observed this loggerhead at Tacklebox in Hol Chan.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Near Hol Chan
January 25, 2012

These two loggerheads were observed by Priscilla Porter at a sight near Hol Chan where fisherman clean conchs.  Unnatural feeding of marine life is never a good idea! See how close the turtles get to the snorkelers? They are familiar with people and are likely to bite!

Sandy Point
April 7, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Journey's End Canyon
April 11, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012
Same as the loggerhead to the left. Large Male!

Sandy Point
April 21, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Sandy Point
April 21, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Renegate
May 24, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

M&M Canyon
July 7, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012


BELIZE BARRIER REEF - AMBERGRIS CAYE - OLIVE RIDLEY SEA TURTLES


Picture
Photo Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Picture
Deformed left front flipper of Olive. Photo ECOMAR

Hol Chan
Feb 4, 2011

The first confirmed observation of an olive ridley sea turtle occurred on Feb 4,2011 when a fishermen was reported to have come across discarded fishing gear in which this olive ridley turtle was trapped.  After Olive was freed of the ropes she was not able to dive down and so was rehabilitated by the Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserves.  In August Olive was fitted with a satellite transmitter and released.  Her track took her north into important sea turtle feeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico.  Due to her entrapment in the discarded fishing gear she had deformities in her front flippers which can probably used in identification.

BELIZE BARRIER REEF - CAYE CAULKER & LONG CAYE


Sand Trap
June 6, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
This hawksbill was observed at Sand Trap by Gordon Kirkwood on June 6, 2011 at Caye Chapel.

Sand Trap
June 6, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
This loggerhead was observed by Gordon Kirkwood on June 6, 2011 while diving Sand Trap at Caye Chapel.

BELIZE BARRIER REEF - ST. GEORGE'S CAYE TO GOFF'S CAYE -

​HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES


J & R Wall - Sept 30, 2010

Picture
Photo Linda Searle
Profile of right side of head shows thick black coloration on her beak.
Picture
Photo Linda Searle
Profile of front of beak and left side of head has less black coloration.  
Picture
Photo Linda Searle
Turtle has one embedded barnacle on the 3rd central scute.

Spanish Bay Wall
May 13, 2011

This adult male hawskbill was observed by Gordon Kirkwood on Spanish Bay Wall on May 13, 2011.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Dolphin Duo
June 12, 2012

Picture
Photo Meghan Welsh 2012


BELIZE BARRIER REEF - ST GEORGE'S CAYE TO GOFF'S CAYE - GREEN SEA TURTLES

No photos submitted

BELIZE BARRIER REEF - ST GEORGE'S CAYE TO GOFF'S CAYE - LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES


Bruce's Column - Feb 26, 2012

Large adult male observed on Feb 26, 2012 at the drop-off east of St. George's Caye.  This loggerhead was about 4 ft in length and has patches of barnacles at the anterior end of this carapace that can be used for identification. 
Video by Linda Searle

TURNEFFE ATOLL - HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES


The Elbow
February 2010

Picture
Photo Linda Searle 2010

Sandy Lane
February 22, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Amberhead
June 13, 2011

 The beak of this hawksbill has three black spots on the left side of the beak that can be used for identification.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Sandy Lane
July 12, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Mini Elbow
September 20, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Mini Elbow
December 14, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Amberhead
November 16, 2011

On November 16, 2011 this loggerhead was observed by Gordon Kirkwood at Amberhead dive site on
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Black Coral Wall
March 8, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012


TURNEFFE ATOLL - GREEN SEA TURTLES

No photos submitted


TURNEFFE ATOLL - LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES


Rock Beauty
April 15, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012
This big male loggerhead was sighted by Gordon Kirkwood at Rock Beauty dive site on April 15, 2012.


LIGHTHOUSE ATOLL - HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES


Aquarium
September 9, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
This hawksbill was observed by Gordon Kirkwood on September 9, 2011 at Aquarium dive site at Lighthouse Atoll.

Blue Hole
Sept 22, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
This hawksbill was observed by Gordon Kirkwood at the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Atoll on September 22, 2011.

Halfmoon Caye Wall
November 18, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
Another shot of the hawksbill seen on Halfmoon Caye Wall at Lighthouse Atoll on November 18, 2011 by Gordon Kirkwood!

Halfmoon Caye Wall
November 18, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
The same hawksbill as the photo to the left, this beauty was observed by Gordon Kirkwood on Halfmoon Caye Wall at Lighthouse Atoll.

Halfmoon Caye Wall
November 18, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011
On November 18, 2011 Gordon Kirkwood saw this beautiful hawksbill on Halfmoon Caye Wall on Lighthouse Atoll

Halfmoon Caye Wall
December 9, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Sponge Bob
December 9, 2011

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Aquarium
January 27, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
January 27, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
January 27, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012
Same turtle as the other photo on Halfmoon Caye Wall on January 27, seen above. This turtle can also be identified as the same turtle sighted on November 18, 2011 on Halfmoon Caye Wall! It was identified by scales on the side of the head.

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 10, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Painted Wall
February 12, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Aquarium
February 17, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 17, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 17, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Aquarium
February 24, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 24, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kikwood 2012
The first hawksbill Gordon Kirkwood saw on Halfmoon Caye Wall on February 24, 2012.

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 24, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012
A second hawksbill Gordon Kirkwood saw on Halfmoon Caye Wall on February 24, 2012.

Halfmoon Caye Wall
March 2, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
April 14, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
April 15, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012


LIGHTHOUSE ATOLL - GREEN SEA TURTLES


Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 12, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012
Same turtle as seen in picture to the right!

Halfmoon Caye Wall
February 12, 2012

Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2012

Halfmoon Caye Wall
April 15, 2012

Picture
Photo Helene Hess 2012
Please note the pale yellow plastron which identifies it as a green sea turtle.


BELIZE BARRIER REEF - CARRIE BOW CAYE TO RANGUANA CAYE
LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES

Hatchet Caye
Feb 8, 2012

Picture
Photo Hatchet Caye Resort 2012
This loggerhead was observed at Hatchet Caye Resort on Hatchet Caye offshore Placencia on February 8, 2012.

Carrie Bow Caye
April 18, 2012

Picture
Photo Ralph Ritson-Williams 2012
Male loggerhead sea turtle observed near Carrie Bow Caye.


GLOVER'S ATOLL - HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES


Long Caye Wall
June 6, 2011

This hawksbill turtle was observed by Gordon Kirkwood on Long Caye Wall at South Glover's Atoll on June 6, 2011.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood 2011

Long Caye Wall
October 18, 2011

This hawksbill turtle was observed on October 18, 2011 by Gordon Kirkwood at South Glover's on Long Caye Wall.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood

Southwest Caye Wall 
October 18, 2011

On October 18, 2011, this hawksbill turtle was observed on Southwest Caye Wall by Gordon Kirkwood on Glover's Atoll.
Picture
Photo Gordon Kirkwood

SOUTHERN BELIZE BARRIER REEF - SAPODILLA CAYES

No Photos Yet!

Have pictures of turtles from Belize?  
​Please submit them today so our database on sea turtles in Belize grows even more!
Picture
ST GEORGE'S CAYE
Mailing Address: PO Box 1234, Belize City, Belize
Cel: + (501) 673-3022  Caye: + (501) 614-3483
Email:
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