Sea turtle monitoring, nest evaluation, and protection measures for Longboat Key 2009.

Abstract

This report summarizes sea turtle monitoring by Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program for the Longboat Key, Florida, shoreline in 2009, three years after construction activities for the Longboat Key Nourishment Project. Monitoring data are presented for both sections of layered fill and white fill as well as the non-nourished area to evaluate potential impacts from the Project. Sea turtle nesting habitat is found in both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Loggerhead turtles accounted for 100% of sea turtle activity. Hatch and emergence success rates of nesting sea turtles were documented.