Spatial-Temporal Variability of Sea Turtle Nest Sites on Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore, FL

Keywords: sea turtles, conservation, management, geomorphology
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 32

Abstract

Over the last 30 years, sea turtle nesting numbers have fluctuated annually but overall their total population has declined. This decrease is mainly due to the effects of humans on nesting habitats through coastal development, sea level rise, and increased storm frequency attributed to human-induced climate change. Pensacola Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS) located in Escambia County, Florida are both areas specifically impacted by these natural and anthropogenic factors. This project assesses spatial-temporal trends in sea turtle nesting behavior using historical nest sites from 1996 through 2021. The analysis is conducted using the ArcGIS Optimized Hot Spot Analysis tool to map hot and cold nesting clusters. Special attention is drawn to specific years with beach nourishment projects, tropical storms, and other anthropogenic impacts such as the BP oil spill. Pre and post analysis around these events will display spatial-temporal correlations in sea turtle nest behavior. Preliminary analysis of nesting clusters over the past five years shows statistically significant nesting hot spots throughout the Pensacola Beach and the Fort Pickens area of GUIS. This study provides insight for coastal managers by illustrating favored and unfavored nesting locations, therefore, ultimately assisting with future decisions on preserving sea turtle nesting habitat.