New Book Release: Explore ‘All About Sea Turtle Behavior’ with Renowned Professor Emeritus

A wave of excitement is set to wash over marine science enthusiasts and conservationists! Research Professor Emeritus Michael Salmon, Ph.D., Department of Biological Sciences, Schmidt College of Science, launched his new book, “All About Sea Turtle Behavior: Essays for the Curious Naturalist,” on Oct. 20, giving readers a rare glimpse into the lives of these remarkable creatures. 

In the book, Salmon explores the evolutionary history, unique adaptations and extraordinary navigation skills of sea turtles. These ancient mariners can traverse hundreds of miles with uncanny accuracy, thanks to their specialized ability to detect the earth’s magnetic field and use it to locate nursery areas, nesting beaches and foraging grounds hundreds of miles apart in an oceanic environment that to humans, appears featureless. The book also sheds light on global conservation efforts, highlighting how dedicated organizations and individuals are working tirelessly around the world to restore sea turtle populations. 

“This book is meant to introduce readers who are interested in the natural history of plants and animals to one of the most fascinating, successful and important animal members of marine communities—the sea turtles,” stated Salmon. “I also describe how sea turtles have succeeded in avoiding their natural predators—but not their human enemies—who are responsible for their present status as threatened or endangered species.”   

The journey to this publication began years ago, when Salmon authored articles about marine turtles for the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation’s magazine, Environmental Outreach. These pieces, initially intended to demonstrate gratitude for the foundation’s support of the university’s marine research and student scholarships, reached only a small local audience.  

“Writing those articles was my way of showing our appreciation for their support,” shared Salmon. “That magazine had a very limited distribution, so after I retired, I decided to transform the articles into a collection of essays that summarized over four decades of scientific discovery, much of it rooted in research at Florida Atlantic University.” 

What sets this release apart is not just its scientific depth, but its heartfelt mission. Salmon has pledged all proceeds from the book to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida—two organizations devoted to rehabilitating injured sea turtles and returning them to their ocean home.  

Published by BookBaby, “All About Sea Turtle Behavior” is available at major booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Salmon has also donated copies of the book to the gift shops at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and The Turtle Hospital, ensuring that every purchase directly supports ongoing conservation work. 

Over the course of his impressive career, Salmon has authored or co-authored over 100 technical papers and several book chapters on topics as diverse as mating systems and sexual selection, orientation mechanisms, sensory capabilities and communication. He has supervised more than 40 students toward the completion of advanced degrees, while maintaining his own research program.  

Salmon is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sea Turtle Society for his contributions to the biology and conservation of marine turtles. Since retiring, he continues to write articles that highlight how the natural history and behavior of marine animals fascinates, amuses and informs a public interested in nature and in natural history.