Responses of three nesting sea turtle species to hard-armoring structures

• DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2022.980715
• Publication Date: 2022-09-23T06:45:35Z
• Authors: Sarah E. Hirsch; Madison Toonder; Jennifer D. Reilly; Shelby R. Hoover; Justin R. Perrault
• Keywords: Sea turtle; Nesting (process); Bycatch

In the face of modern challenges, analyzing sea turtle nesting trends is critical to better understand impacts these vulnerable species. The introduction hard-armoring structures (e.g., seawalls, rock revetments) on beaches poses a threat leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea ), loggerhead Caretta caretta and green Chelonia mydas ) turtles due habitat loss interactions with physical structure. Despite much Florida’s coastline being protected by some form technology, research limited loggerheads. Our objectives were (1) examine nest density, success, washout rates, hatching emergence success at sites in comparison control area (2) characterize obstructions encountered northern Palm Beach County, Florida. results indicate that site showed significantly lower density for loggerheads area. Additionally, was those no or other beach furniture, walkovers, escarpments, etc.). These suggest negatively impact behavior, which could result energy physiological derangements. Green most significant differences between two sites, likely their typical selection favoring upper portions beach, crawling further distances from high-water line than leatherbacks. Before additional are permitted installed, governing agencies should first consider more natural methods protecting shorelines dune restoration).