Minimizing fungal invasion during the artificial incubation of sea turtle eggs

Abstract

The artificial incubation of sea turtle eggs has become increasingly common for research purposcs. It usually involves the collection of eggs, transport to a laboratory (potentially long distance), then incubation within a container and/or incubator on sand or an artificial substrate such as vermiculite. During incubation it may be necessary to inspect eggs to monitor development and mortality, and maintain moisture conditions. At all stages during these procedures, eggs are exposed to infectants which have the potential to kill a proportion, or all, of the eggs. To minimize egg mortality, precautions can he taken to reduce egg exposure to microbiota.