Potential Issues with Hatchlings from Retention Holding:
- Hatchlings may have become dependent on the food provided, which may not be available in the wild.
- Hatchlings may lose their hunting instincts.
- Hatchlings may associate the presence of humans with food availability.
- Hatchlings may enter the migration phase in the open sea prematurely, not suited for their age. Adult hatchlings usually do not stay at the surface of the ocean but hunt food down at the shallow sea floor.
- Hatchlings may not be able to follow their migration instincts, which are heavily influenced by the imprinting process. This is when hatchlings first enter the water directly after hatching, moving away from the shore, following pelagic currents, and so on.
- Hatchlings may not be in optimal health due to issues like infectious diseases and nutritional imbalances.
- Hatchlings are likely to experience physical development issues (muscle development, diving ability, and immune system) because they are accustomed to being confined in a pool.
- Since hatchlings are always protected from predators during their lives, they may not be cautious of predators like sharks and humans.
(Pritchard 1980; Mrosovsky 1983; Woody 1991; Bowen et al. 1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI00Yu0HLZ4
