1. Mid-Atlantic Sea Turtles: Possible Causes for Declines in Population and Potential Mitigation Strategies Francesca Fusaro Emily Knaus Barbara Madden

2. Background Five species of sea turtles have been recorded in the Mid-Atlantic region including 1 : Hawksbill (eretmochelys imbricata) Green (chelonia mydas) Leatherback (dermochelys coriacea) Kemp’s ridley (lepidochelys kempii) Loggerhead (caretta caretta)

3. Significance of Sea Turtles Marine EcosystemBeach/Dune Ecosystem Sea Turtle Impacts on Ecosystem

4. The Problem Habitat alteration and degradation has led to a decrease in sea turtle populations in the mid-Atlantic region.

5. Report by the Florida FWC* *Godfrey, D., LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE NESTING IN STEEP DECLINE. http://www.world- wire.com/news/0611090001.html

6. Proximate Causes Beach Habitat AlterationBeach Habitat Alteration Strong stormsStrong storms Increase of the sea levelIncrease of the sea level PollutionPollution Artificial lightsArtificial lights Commercial FishingCommercial Fishing Other Beach AlterationsOther Beach Alterations Egg predationEgg predation Modification of the oceanic currentsModification of the oceanic currents Increase sand temperatureIncrease sand temperature

7. Ultimate Causes UrbanizationUrbanization SuburbanizationSuburbanization Increased recreational use of coastlinesIncreased recreational use of coastlines Unmanaged pesticide and trash disposalUnmanaged pesticide and trash disposal Long line fishingLong line fishing

8. Major Cause Increased recreational use of coastlines

9. Options Reduce lighting within the range of the beach.Reduce lighting within the range of the beach. Designate critical habitat as turtle nesting only.Designate critical habitat as turtle nesting only. Place more trash cans on beach.Place more trash cans on beach. Remove lounge chairs from beach at night and reduce lighting.Remove lounge chairs from beach at night and reduce lighting. Use beach signs to promote public awareness.Use beach signs to promote public awareness.

10. Evaluation Criteria Maintain recreational use of beaches.Maintain recreational use of beaches. Increase in turtle population from current levels.Increase in turtle population from current levels. Preserve critical habitat.Preserve critical habitat. Remove significant barriers to nesting.Remove significant barriers to nesting. Costs should not outweigh benefits.Costs should not outweigh benefits.

11. CriteriaOptions Reduce lighting within the range of the beach Designate critical habitat as turtle nesting only Place more trash cans Remove lounge chairs from the beach at night & reduce lighting Use beach signs to promote public awareness Maintain recreational use of beaches Increase in turtle population from current levels Preserve critical habitat Remove significant barriers to nesting Costs should not outweigh benefits

12. Best Option Remove Lounge Chairs from Beach at Night Beach Furniture - Hatchling under Chair* * Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) - http://research.myfwc.com/gallery/image_details.asp?id=11595

13. Remove Lounge Chairs from Beach at Night* Plastic lounge chairs are portable and can easily be removed from the beach area at night.Plastic lounge chairs are portable and can easily be removed from the beach area at night. Heavy wooden lounge chairs should be removed completely during the nesting season, or at least spaced apart 6 feet from side-to-side.Heavy wooden lounge chairs should be removed completely during the nesting season, or at least spaced apart 6 feet from side-to-side. *FWC - The Hazards of Beach Furniture to Turtle Nesting http://floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=16708

14. Best Options Reduce Lighting Lights on Beachfront Property that are Visible from the Beach* * FWC - http://floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=2156

15. Reduce Lighting* Any reduction in the amount of artificial light reaching the nesting beach helps sea turtles.Any reduction in the amount of artificial light reaching the nesting beach helps sea turtles. As lighting is reduced, hatchlings emerging on moonlit nights and at locations far from the lighted property will have a better chance of finding the sea.As lighting is reduced, hatchlings emerging on moonlit nights and at locations far from the lighted property will have a better chance of finding the sea. * Artificial Lighting and Sea Turtle Hatchling Behavior - FWC http://floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=2156

16. Sources 1. 1.Meylan, A. Long-Term Monitoring Program Reveals a Continuing Loggerhead Decline, Increases in Green Turtle and Leatherback Nesting. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee