Impacts of Coastal Armoring on Sea Turtle Nesting Behavior

When constructed on nesting beaches, coastal armoring structures block turtles' access to suitable nesting habitat, resulting in decreased nesting emergences. Additionally, several cases have been documented of interactions with coastal armoring structures that have resulted in the deaths of nesting females and hatchlings.

FWRI research projects involve assessing the extent of coastal armoring structures on marine turtle nesting beaches and the effects of these structures on marine turtle nesting behavior. Results will assist marine turtle management staff in efforts to minimize impacts from future coastal armoring construction projects. Coupled with this research are efforts to inform the public about this important marine turtle conservation problem in Florida.