Impacts of Artificial Lighting on the Survival of Sea Turtles Michael Slattery

Why should it matter? All 6 species of sea turtle that nest in North America are either Endangered or Threatened.

Nesting Generally they nest every 1-3 years Females always return to the beach from which they hatched They may lay multiple clutches. Hatch after 6-13 weeks of incubation

Nest survival Where they get deposited Predation Disease

Hatching success 80% of the eggs hatch Upon emergence they’ll orient themselves to the brightest light field. Only 1 in 1000 hatchlings make it to adulthood and reproduce

Human activities can compound the problem 53% of the US. Population lives within 60 miles of the Coast. This requires significant infrastructure. The beaches are very economically valuable to the US.

Several possible outcomes Depends on the magnitude of brightness Pick the wrong way –Sunrise –Swimming pools –Cars –Domestic animals –Natural predators

What do you think? Low natural success Human impact –Redirect lights –Lower intensities Something should be done