The Effects of Human Induced Disturbances on the Nesting Distribution and Behavior of Sea Turtles Along the Coastal Southeastern United States and Caribbean Territories: A Critical Review

Defense Date

1999

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

M.S. Coastal Zone Management

First Advisor

Curtis Burney

Second Advisor

Wayne Witzell

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to review the literature delineating the effects of beachfront development on the nesting behavior and spatial distribution of sea turtles nesting on the coastlines of the Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Published and unpublished literature was reviewed for beach geomorphological characteristics which are suitable for nesting sea turtles and also to investigate the effects of human induced alterations on the behavior and spatial distribution of nesting sea turtles. This include a discussion of nesting behavior, environmental factors, and geomorphological characteristics known to influence nesting beach suitability and the spatial distribution of nests along the southeastern coastline of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United Sates Virgin Islands. Conclusions regarding the impacts of coastal development on the nesting behavior and nesting spatial distribution of sea turtles are discussed.

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