Date of Award

Fall 12-12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Marine Science

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Eric Rosch

Abstract/Description

Beach geomorphology has a profound influence on nesting animals, particularly sea turtles, whose reproductive success depends on suitable sand conditions and stable shorelines. In many densely populated coastal regions, beach renourishment projects are implemented to combat erosion and protect infrastructure, yet these alterations can also affect sea turtle nesting ecology. This study evaluated the effects of beach renourishment on loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting activity on Longboat Key, Florida, from 2021-2024. Nesting activity, hatch success, and depredation patterns were compared between nourished and reference beach zones to determine whether nourishment had an impact on these events. Nesting success was lower in nourished zones (40.9%) compared to reference zones (45.3%) and a chi-square test confirmed that this difference in nesting success was statistically significant. Hatch success was significantly higher in nourished zones both when all nests were included in the analysis (33.6% vs. 22.0%) a; p < 0.0001) and when depredated and water damaged nests were excluded (43.0% vs. 24.2%). ; p < 0.0001). Depredation rates were lower in nourished areas (15.6%) than in reference areas (18.4%), though this difference was not significant. Comparisons of live and dead hatchlings found during excavations amongst all nests in nourishment vs. all nests in reference zones showed no significant difference. Seasonal timing analyses indicated earlier nesting and slightly later depredation in nourished zones compared to reference areas. These findings suggest that while renourishment may temporarily influence nesting behavior, it does not negatively affect overall reproductive output and may even enhance hatch success under certain conditions.

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