Keywords

Artificial lighting: Beach nourishment: Green Turtle: Loggerhead turtle: Nesting success: Anthropogenic disturbances

Abstract

Sea turtles face numerous threats on their nesting beaches, including habitat degradation, artificial lighting, and human interventions like beach nourishment projects. These factors can disrupt nesting behavior and reduce overall reproductive success. This study examined the impact of anthropogenic disturbances, specifically artificial lighting and beach nourishment projects, on the nesting success (quantified as portion of adult female emergences resulting in a nest) of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in southern Brevard County, Florida. Utilizing a long-term dataset (1989-2023) from the UCF Marine Turtle Research Group, the research focused on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR), a site with minimal lighting and development, and the Brevard County Mid Reach, an area characterized by high levels of artificial lighting and development. I aimed to: (1) evaluate the effects of artificial lighting on nesting success by comparing 1989-2023 data from ACNWR and Mid Reach; (2) assess the impact of beach nourishment projects by analyzing nesting success before and after nourishment events, which began in 2005; and (3) explore the interaction between artificial lighting and beach nourishment by comparing nesting success in areas with varying levels of lighting and development. The study found that both loggerhead and green turtle nesting success were lower in areas with high-lighting compared to more natural, low-lighting areas, as well as following more frequent, larger-scale nourishment projects. This research provides new insights into how these human activities influence sea turtle nesting behaviors and the effectiveness of conservation measures like the establishment of the ACNWR in mitigating these impacts. Findings can contribute to the development of strategies to enhance sea turtle conservation efforts in regions experiencing similar pressures.

Thesis Completion Year

2024

Thesis Completion Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair

Plate, Richard: Seney, Erin

College

College of Undergraduate Studies

Thesis Discipline

Environmental Studies

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright