Website

https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/monitoring/

Region(s)

NE, SW, NW

Summary

FWRI coordinates monitoring of sea turtle nesting activity. The surveys are conducted through a network of permit holders consisting of federal, state, and local park personnel; other government agency personnel; members of conservation organizations, university researchers; and private citizens. FWRI staff coordinate data collection, provide training, and compile annual survey data for distribution to management entities, the research community, the press and the public.

Parameters

Speices, # of nests, nest locations, # hatchlings, nest success, predation

Notes

Application

Managers use the results to evaluate and minimize the effects of human activities (e.g., coastal construction, beach renourishment, and recreation) on turtles and their nests and identify important areas for enhanced protection or land acquisition.

Publications

Start

1987

End

Current

Frequency

Daily

Method

Survey data are derived from observations of tracks and other nesting signs left on beaches by sea turtles. Species identifications and determinations of nesting or non-nesting emergences are based on evaluations of features of tracks and nests (e.g., track width, track configuration, size of the body pit) as described by Schroeder and Murphy, Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles, and the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook.

Discontinuity

Data Location

By Request from Beth Mongiovi (Brost) Assistant Research Scientist Marine Turtle Research Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Beth.Brost@MyFWC.com (727) 502-4738 Fax: 893-9176

Data Format

Xls, CSV

Habitats

RCP Program not part of SEACAR analysis

SEACAR Citation

Alternative Citation

indicates priority attributes