Project Information

Project Timeline: July 2011- April 2014. This project has been completed.
Principal Investigator: Kristen M. Hart, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center
Implements Science Plan Themes: 4: Ecological Research and Modeling
5: Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal and Nearshore Marine Environments

Key Points

• Focused on the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle while by association providing information for other endangered turtles
• Projected vulnerability of key nesting beaches by using climate change and sea level rise projections
• Provides information for managers to consider when actions such as moving nests may be appropriate

Overview

The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and is divided into nine distinct populations. Five of these populations are federally endangered, and four are federally threatened. Unfortunately, climate change is putting the species at further risk. Sea-level rise, increased storms, and changes in temperature and humidity could harm habitat. Loggerheads and other endangered sea turtles need this habitat for nesting and feeding.

This project assessed the vulnerability of key sea turtle nesting beaches in the Southeast. We first studied previous records of sea turtle nesting locations. We then predicted the future nesting suitability of these beaches based on climate change projections. We expect beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to be very susceptible to changes caused by sea-level rise. 

Our work can inform federal recovery efforts for the loggerhead sea turtle. By identifying future locations where nesting will be unsuitable, managers can decide what actions to take. This includes moving nests out of some vulnerable areas. Other endangered sea turtles also use these nesting locations, such as the Kemp’s ridley, green, and leatherback sea turtles. This project can help in the management of several species of conservation concern.