Sea Turtle Monitoring, Nest Evaluation, and Protection Measures for Siesta Key 2011

Transcription

1 Sea Turtle Mnitring, Nest Evaluatin, and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key 2011 SUBMITTED T: Sarasta Cunty Cmmunity Services, Natural Resurces 1001 Sarasta Center Bulevard Sarasta, FL SUBMITTED By: Tny Tucker Ph.D., Kristen Mazzarella, Sarah Hirsch, and Kathy Klingensmith Sea Tur1le Cnservatin and Research Prgram Mte Marine Labratry 1600 Ken Thmpsn Parkway Sarasta, FL q,,j J (,!lin & e (.;fi''' January 4, 2012 Mte Marine Labratry Technical RepOli N. 1587

2 T ABLE OF CONTENTS PaeeN. TABLE OF CONTENTS... ii LIST OF TABLES... iii LIST OF FIGURES... iii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS... iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1 INTRODUCTION...3 BACKGROUND...4 SEA TURTLE MONITORING...5 Prject Lcatin... 5 Prcedures... 6 Hatching Surveys and Nest Evaluatins... 7 Sea Turtle Prtectin Measures... 8 Data Analysis... 8 NESTING SUCCESS...8 Turtle Emergences (Nests and Nn-Nesting Emergences)... 8 Categrizatin /Nn-Nesting Emergences (NNEs}... 9 Visual Assessment fobstructins t Nesting Nest Site Selectin Nest Chamber Characteristics Nests Lst t Ersin r Inundatin Nest Damage by Depredatin r Invasill REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS Incubatin perid Hatch Success Emergence Success Disrientatin Events...: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS LITERATURE CITED ApPENDICES Appendix A: Nests and Nn-Nesting Emergences Appendix B: FWC Marine Turtle Disrientatin Reprts Appendix C: Sarasta Cunty Trends Appendix D: Phtgraphs and Incidental Ntes

3 LIST OF TABLES Page N. Table 1. Nest and nn-nesting emergence (NNE) numbers and nesting success fr sea turtles nesting n Siesta Key, Table 2. Categries flggerhead nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) fr Siesta Key, Table 3. Lggerhead sea turtle nest chamber measurements fr Siesta Key, Table 4. Sea turtle nests affected by tidal activity n Siesta Key, Table Sa. Nest damage and preventative measures taken due t depredatin (including rt invasin) n Siesta Key, Table 5b. Identified nest predatrs n Siesta Key, Table 6. Ttal incubatin perid f in situ and relcated lggerhead nests that experienced emergence n Siesta Key, Table 7. Hatch success fr in situ and relcated lggerhead nests n Siesta Key, Table 8. Hatchling emergence success fr in situ and relcated lggerhead nests n Siesta Key, Table 9. Sea turtle disrientatins n Siesta beaches, LIST OF FIGURES Page N. Figure 1. Nurishment prject fr Siesta Key Figure 2. A nn-nesting emergence and a nest Figure 3. Sea turtle nest sign and a marked sea turtle nest Figure 4. Number fsea turtle,nests and nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) n Siesta Key by week in Figure 5. Siesta Key nest lcatins fr 20 II Figure 6. Siesta Key sea turtle nesting and nn-nesting emergence (NNE) data frm Figure 7. Distributin fnests and nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) n Siesta Key in 2011 by FDEP mnument Figure 8. Percentage f activities that encuntered bstacles n Siesta Key frm II Figure 9. Percentge f nests that were depredated n Siesta Key in Figure 10. Trends in hatchling disrientatin events n Siesta Key frm Figure 11. Surces f disrientatin events n Siesta Key, 20 II iii

4 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CITES em ESA FDEP ft FWC GPS INBS km m MML NNE N.l# SNBS STCRP Cnventin n Internatinal Trade in Endangered Species f Flra and Fauna centimeter(s) U.S. Endangered Species Act Flrida Department f Envirnmental Prtectin feet Flrida Fish and Wildlife Cnservatin Cmmissin Glbal Psitining System Index Nesting Beach Survey kilmeter(s) meter(s) Mte Marine Labratry Nn-nesting emergence Number Statewide Nesting Beach Survey Sea Turtle Cnservatin and Research Prgram iv

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This reprt summarizes sea turtle mnitring by Mte Marine Labratry's Sea Turtle Cnservatin and Research Prgram fr the Siesta Key shreline in The Siesta Key shreline cntains 9.0 km (5.6 mi) fsea turtle nesting habitat. Lggerhead turtles accunted fr 97.7% f sea turtle activity n Siesta Key in 2011; green turtles accunted fr the remaining 2.3%. Lggerhead nesting ccurred between May 2 and August 11 and green nesting ccurred between June 23 and August 5. Beach mnitring effrts dcumented 161 lggerhead nests, 177 lggerhead NNEs, fur green turtle nests, and fur green turtle NNEs. Nesting activity peaked during the first week f June. There were 157 in situ and fur relcated lggerhead nests and fur in situ green nests. Nesting density, including bth lggerhead and green nests, was 18.3 nests/km (29.5 nests/mi) acrss Siesta Key, with 17.9 nests/km (28.8 nests/mi) fr lggerheads and 0.4 nests/km (0.7 nests/mi) fr green turtles. Nesting success n Siesta Key was 47.7%. The regin f lwest nesting success extended frm FDEP mnument R-50 t R-55 (1 nest: 19 NNEs). The regins f highest nesting success were adjacent t FDEP mnuments R-75 (17 nests: 5 NNEs) and R-45 (19 nests: 5 NNEs). Turtles accessing the Siesta Key shreline encuntered bstacles n 237 emergences, representing 68.5% f all activities. Of these emergences, 49.4% (117/237) resulted in NNEs. Turtles were bstructed by escarpments (208), rcks (27), dune walkvers (5), hles dug by peple (2), beach debris (1), rads (1), vegetatin (1), sandcastle (1), pst (1), stakes frm anther marked sea turtle nest (1), and a pati (1 ). Of the nests n Siesta Key, 35.7% (561157) were in the upper third f the beach, 31.2% (491157) were in the middle third, and 33.1 % (521157) were in the lwer third. There were n hurricanes and ne named strm event cntributing t castal ersin and/r sand accretin fr the 2011 nesting seasn. Tidal activity caused inundatin f 54.5% (90/165) f nests n Siesta Key, 42 f which washed ut. Trpical Strm Lee (9/5-917) affected 11.5% (19/165) f nests, three f which washed ut. High tides and tidal surges nt assciated with strm events inundated 43.0% (71/165) f nests, 39 f which washed ut. Fifty-seven nests were affected by mre than ne tidal event. Predatrs affected 21.8% (36/165) f nests. The depredatin incidents invlved rts (22), ghst crabs (7), raccns (5), and nesting females breaking their wn eggs (4). Eight incidents f nest vandalism and zer paching events ccurred in The average incubatin perid fr bth in situ and relcated lggerhead nests (n 78) was 51.2 days with a range f42-80 days. The first lggerhead nest hatched n June 22 and the last nest hatched n September 15. The average incubatin perid fr green nests (n = 3) was 52.3 days with a range f days. The first green nest hatched n August 19 and the last green nest hatched n September 12.

6 The hatch success fr bth in situ and relcated lggerhead nests (n 77) was 55.0% with 41.4% unhatched eggs and 3.5% pipped eggs. Hatch success was 35.4% fr all inundated lggerhead nests (n 33) and 70.1 % fr all nn inundated nests (n 44). The green turtle nests (n = 3) had a hatch success f 56.6% with 30.7% unhatched eggs and 12.7% pipped eggs. Hatch success was 66.1 % fr the ne inundated green nest and 53.1 % fr the tw nn inundated green nests. The emergence success fr all lggerhead nests (n 74) was 52.5%. The emergence success fr in situ lggerhead nests (n = 72) was 53.1 %. The relcated lggerhead nests (n = 2) had an emergence success f27.3%. Inundated nests (n = 33) had 31.6% emergence success while nninundated nests (n = 41) had 68.5% emergence success. The green turtle nests (n 3) had an emergence success f 39.7%. Emergence success was 28.4% fr the ne inundated green nest and 43.8% fr the tw nn-inundated green nests. Excavatins flggerhead nests with cmplete excavatin data (n=74) revealed that 3,781 hatchlings emerged independently prir t nest excavatin. Excavatin f the in situ green turtle nests (n = 3) revealed 159 hatchlings emerged independently prir t nest excavatin. A ttal f 5,434 live lggerhead hatchlings and a ttal f256 live green hatchlings emerged independently frm Siesta nests. One adult turtle disrientatin and 22 hatchling disrientatin events were dcumented, resulting in a minimum f263 disriented hatchlings. Using nly viable nests (i.e., thse frm which hatchlings emerged) a disrientatin rate f21.8% was bserved. The disrientatin rate f all nests, bth viable and nnviable (i.e., zer emergence), was 13.3%. Disrientatins were related t htels r cndminiums (16), sky glw (12), single family residences (7), lights frm parking lts (3), and street lights (1). 2

7 INTRODUCTION The Gulf f Mexic shreline f Flrida is used as nesting habitat by lggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) (SWOT 2007). Sea turtles (including lggerheads, greens, Kemp's ridleys, and leatherbacks) are included in Annex II f the SPAW (Specially Prtected Areas and Wildlife) Prtcl t the Cartagena Cnventin, requiring that Parties "ensure ttal prtectin and recvery" t this species, including prhibiting take, pssessin, and killing; cmmercial trade (including eggs, parts, r prducts); and, t the extent pssible, disturbance during perids f breeding, incubatin, r migratin, as well as ther perids fbilgical stress. The species are als included n Appendix I fthe Cnventin n Internatinal Trade in Endangered Species f Wild Fauna and Flra (CITES). Sea turtles are fully prtected (listed in Appendix I) under the Cnventin n the Cnservatin f Migratry Species f Wild Animals (CMS), bliging Parties t prhibit the hunting, fishing, capturing, r harassing f these species, as well as t cnserve their habitat. Finally, the species are included in the annexes t the Cnventin n Nature Prtectin and Wildlife Preservatin in the Western Hemisphere (Washingtn, r Western Hemisphere Cnventin), a designatin intended t cnvey that their prtectin is f "special urgency and imprtance." The species are prtected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) f 1973, the Marine Turtle Prtectin Act Chapter (Flrida Administratin Cde), and the Sarasta Cunty Sea Turtle Prtectin Ordinance (N ). The lggerhead was listed in 1978 as a federally threatened species (43 Federal Register 32800). Internatinally it is cnsidered "Vulnerable" and is listed as a species threatened with extinctin in Appendix I f CITES. A recent re-evaluatin fthe lggerhead status in the Nrthwest Atlantic Ocean remains classed as Threatened (76 Federal Register 58868).. In additin t lggerhead turtles, ther sea turtle species have been dcumented nesting in small numbers n the central Gulfbeaches. In 2011, 20 green turtle (Chelnia mydas) nests were recrded in Sarasta Cunty, fllwing a recrd f 40 nests laid in There has been a ttal f 160 green turtle nests in Sarasta Cunty since] 992. In 20II, n Kemp's ridley (Lepidchelys kempii) nests were recrded in Sarasta Cunty. There has been a ttal f seven cnfirmed Kemp's ridley nests in Sarasta Cunty since the first nest was recrded in In 2001, a leatherback turtle (Dermchelys criacea) depsited a clutch n Lngbat Key, which marked the first dcumented nesting fthis species n the central west cast f Flrida. A secnd reprting f a leatherback turtle nesting was dcumented n Sanibel Island (Lee Cunty) in Juvenile lggerhead, green, and Kemp's ridley turtles als utilize the near-shre waters fthe central Gulf cast f Flrida as develpmental habitat. The green turtle is listed as endangered in Flrida and is federally listed as a prtected species since 1978 (43 Federal Register 32800). The Kemp's ridley is the mst critically endangered f all sea turtle species and as such is prtected thrughut its range in the Gulf f Mexic and nrthwestern Atlantic Ocean (35 Federal Register 18319). The leatherback is listed as endangered wrldwide and federally listed since 1978 (35 Federal Register 8491). Land-based threats t these prtected sea turtles include beach ersin, beach armring, beach nurishment activities, artificial lighting, beach cleaning, increased human presence, recreatinal beach equipment, extic dune and beach vegetatin, nest depredatin, nest lss t abitic factrs, and paching. Threats within the marine envirnment include, but are nt limited t, incidental take frm dredging, marina and dck develpment, pllutin, sea grass bed degradatin, fisheries 3

8 activities including hk and line fisheries, bat cllisins, ffshre artificial lighting, ingestin f marine debris, paching, and predatin (NMFSIUSFWS 2009). The Flrida Fish and Wildlife Cnservatin Cmmissin (FWC), Natinal Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) evaluate data pertaining t sea turtle species, their use f habitat, nesting success, and any prtectin measures undertaken t prtect the adult turtle, the nest, and emerging hatchlings. This is in supprt f identifying apprpriate cnstructin techniques that ccur in sea turtle nesting habitat. Sarasta Cunty Cmmunity Services cntracted Mte Marine Labratry's (MML) Sea Turtle Cnservatin and Research Prgram (STCRP) t identify critical issues related t the prtectin f sea turtles, their nesting habitat, nests, and hatchlings n Siesta Key beaches. This 2011 reprt summarizes STCRP's sea turtle mnitring, evaluatin, and prtectin effrts fr Siesta Key. These baseline data are needed t evaluate future utcmes f sea turtle trends in regard t future beach nurishment prj ects. BACKGROUND The Siesta Key shreline is used as nesting habitat by sea turtles that are prtected by the ESA f 1973, the Marine Turtle Prtectin Act Chapter (Flrida Administrative Cde) and the Sarasta Cunty Sea Turtle Prtectin Ordinance (N ). Beach nurishment r restratin can result in changes in beach prperties such as sand density, beach shear resistance, misture cntent, beach slpe, sand clr, grain size, and shape (Crain et al. 1995, Davis et al. 1999, Petersn and Bishp 2005, Rumbld et al. 2001, Brck et al. 2009). These changes may affect the nesting activity f sea turtles and the hatch and subsequent emergence success f the nests. Cnsequently, special cnditins are included in beach cnstructin permits t minimize impacts t the turtles, nests, and hatchlings. Althugh Siesta Key was previusly characterized as a native beach, the Suth Siesta Key Beach Restratin Prject (FDEP permit JC) placed 922,300 cubic yards f sand n 3.4 km (2.1 mi) f shreline, extending frm 300 ft suth ffdep mnument R-67 t 500 ft suth f R-77 (Figure 1). The Suth Siesta Beach Restratin Prject began n December 19,2006 and cncluded n March 4,2007. Nurishment mnitring effrts cncluded in The special permit cnditins fr the prject include fill material cmpsitin requirements, permitted cnstructin material and machinery lcatins, requirements fr escarpment frmatin surveys, pst-cnstructin beach cmpactness mnitring, and sea turtle activity mnitring. STCRP persnnel dcumented sea turtle activity and implemented nest prtectin and evaluatin measures. Special permit cnditins pertaining t sea turtle mnitring activities included: Daily dawn sea turtle nest surveys f the beach were t be cnducted starting May 1 and cntinue thrugh the end f the sea turtle nesting seasn, Octber 31, r until all nests were excavated. Only thse nests that were in danger f lss were t be relcated. Nest relcatins were required t be cmpleted n later than 9 a.m. f the mrning fllwing depsitin. All nests, in situ r relcated, were t be marked and the actual lcatin f the clutch determined. 4

9 All nesting surveys, nest relcatins, nest caging activities, and nest success evaluatins were t be cnducted by persns with prir experience and training in these activities and duly authrized t cnduct such activities thrugh FWC Marine Turtle Pennit #070 and #155, current and valid permits issued by FWC, Imperiled Species Management, pursuant t Flrida Administrative Cde Rule 62R-I. Mnitring f nesting activity fllwing cnstructin was t include daily surveys and any additinal measures authrized by the FWC. The required reprt included nesting success rates, hatch success f all in situ and relcated nests, and names f all persnnel invlved in nest surveys and relcatin activities. This reprt summarizes the data cllected in The reprt is submitted t the Sarasta Cunty Cmmunity Services Department, the FWC Imperiled Species Management Divisin, and is archived in the ffices f the MML STCRP and the MML library. SEA TURTLE MONITORING Prject Lcatin Siesta Key is lcated in Sarasta Cunty n the central Gulf cast f Flrida. The surveyed shreline cntains 9.0 km (5.6 mi) f sea turtle nesting habitat. Siesta Key is bunded t the nrth by Big Sarasta Pass and t the suth by Casey Key_ The sandy beach extends frm FDEP mnument R-45 (Sandy Hk Rad) suth t 1000 feet suth fr-77 (Palmer Pint Park). The Siesta Key shreline is characterized by high density residential develpment fbth single and multifamily residences (Mretn and Petersn 2003). Hwever sectins between R-45 and R-61 n the nrth regin are characterized by htels and cndminiums and sectins between R 62 and 1000 ft suth fr -77 n the suth regin are characterized by mainly single family residences, a few htels and cndminiums, and Palmer Pint Park. Suthern Siesta Key frm 7902 Sanderling Rad suth t Palmer Pint Park is part f Flrida's Index Nesting Beach Survey (INBS) and Statewide Nesting Beach Survey (SNBS) prgrams. These prgrams were established by FWC t standardize sea turtle data cllectin fr accurate evaluatins f Flrida nesting trends. The INBS prgram requires using an identical prtcl t gather detailed nesting infnnatin in a way that allws the assessment ftrends ver time and between index beach znes. A limitatin fthe INBS prgram is that nly part fthe State's beaches and nly part fthe cmplete nesting seasn are surveyed this way. Mnthly reprts are cmpiled fr each INBS beach with the daily number fnests and nn-nesting emergences frm each species and beach zne frm May 15 t August 31. The SNBS prgram differs frm the INBS in its brad cverage fsea turtle nesting. Resurces fthe SNBS are directed twards maximizing the tempral and gegraphical surveillance f nesting activities f the State's nesting beaches. A representative sample is taken frm each 5

10 SNBS beach as ppsed t the cnsistency and detail requested n INBS beaches. A limitatin f the SNBS prgram is that effrt varies amng years and amng beaches as new survey areas are added. The tw prgrams cmplement each ther by allwing a detailed assessment f tempral nesting trends as well as prviding the extensive data cverage needed t make imprtant management decisins. Prcedures Daily mnitring f Siesta Key shreline began n May 1 and cntinued until the final nest excavatin n Octber 13 t fulfill the FWC Sea Turtle Cnservatin Guidelines (FWC 2007) fr sea turtle prtectin. This mnitring effrt was cnducted by Mte and FWC trained STCRP persnnel, interns, and vlunteers authrized under FWC Marine Turtle Permit #070, issued t Ms. Sarah Hirsch. Persnnel mnitred fr turtle nesting activity by walking the shreline at dawn abve the mean high water line. Upn discvery f an emergence, permitted persnnel determined visually whether the emergence was a nest r a nn-nesting emergence (als knwn as a false crawl). A nest was defined as a turtle emergence that resulted in the turtle successfully depsiting eggs. A nn-nesting emergence (NNE) was defined as an emergence that did nt result in egg depsitin. Signs f an NNE can include an abandned bdy pit r nest chamber. A bdy pit refers t the sandy depressin cleared by a sea turtle's frnt flippers prir t digging a nest chamber. A nest chamber is a vase-shaped hle excavated by a turtle's rear flippers. The fllwing are examples fnnes: I} a turtle that emerged n the beach but did nt bdy pit r excavate a nest chamber; 2) a turtle that emerged and made ne r mre bdy pits but did nt excavate a nest chamber; and 3} a turtle that emerged, created a bdy pit and excavated a nest chamber but did nt depsit any eggs (ften these abrted nest excavatins are left uncvered by the turtle). Figure 2 illustrates a NNE and a nest. During the survey alng the beach, NNEs and nests were recrded n MML Nest Data Frms (Appendix A). Nesting success is defined as the prprtin f nesting attempts by a sea turtle (emergences nt the beach) that resulted in eggs being depsited. Nesting success # nests (#nests + #NNEs) In accrdance with FWC Guidelines (2007), nests were nly relcated if they were lw enugh n the beach t be washed ver by daily tides r if they were in high-risk areas that rutinely experienced ersin and egg lss. If relcated, eggs were placed in a bucket lined with sand and were transprted higher n the beach int an artificially prduced nest chamber clsely resembling the riginal nest chamber in shape, size, and depth. In years with mnitring requirements fr beach nurishment prjects, nests laid t clse t the water line were nt immediately relcated. In rder t dcument the effects fbeach nurishment n nest site selectin, FWC Guidelines (2007) state that eggs are nt t be relcated until they are uncvered by high tides and dcumented as washing ut. All nests were marked by several yellw wden stakes cnnected with flagging tape and signage identifying the site as a prtected sea turtle nest (Figure 3). Each nest was additinally Sea Turtle Mnitring. Nest Evaluatin. and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

11 marked with the date the nest was laid and the riginal nest lcatin. Nest lcatin was dcumented in the field by three methds: 1) relative psitin t the clsest inland street address r landmark, 2) the nearest FDEP mnument, and 3) glbal psitining system (GPS) crdinates. Hatching Surveys and Nest Evaluatins During incubatin, nests were mnitred in the early mrning and ccasinally again in the evening. Observance fne r mre fthe fllwing was used t determine the first hatchling emergence t calculate incubatin perids (FWC 2007): I) A hatchling r hatchlings present at the surface 2) A hatchling crawl r crawls in the sand leading ut frm the nest area 3) An emergence hle directly ver the nest Each nest was excavated three days after the initial emergence t enumerate the cntents fr a hatch success calculatin. The delayed nest excavatin allwed the majrity fhatchlings t emerge frm the nest n their wn. Nest excavatins were recrded n MML Nest Data Frms (Appendix A). Upn excavatin, the cntents fthe nest were srted and cunted int the fllwing categries: 1) Hatched eggs are empty r hatched eggshells (fragments were nt included in the tally); 2) Pipped eggs are either live r dead hatchlings that punctured the eggshell but did nt fully emerged frm the egg; and 3) Unhatched eggs are unpened eggs remaining in the nest at excavatin. Ttal clutch size is the sum f hatched, pipped, unhatched, and destryed eggs. Hatch success is the prprtin f eggs in a nest that prduced live hatchlings. Hatch Success # hatched # ttal clutch size Emergence success was used t adjust fr within nest mrtality fhatchlings and t evaluate the number fhatchlings that left the nest. Emergence success represents the number f hatchlings that emerged independently frm the nest prir t nest excavatin: Emergence Success # hatched eggs - (live hatched + dead hatched in nest chamber) # ttal clutch size Any live hatchling(s) within a nest were either released immediately r were transferred t a bucket cntaining mist sand. These buckets fhatchlings were kept in a warm, darkened lcatin until the hatchlings were released n the beach that evening. Nest excavatins and hatchling releases were cnducted accrding t FWC Marine Turtle Cnservatin Guidelines (FWC 2007). When hatches are nt bserved, nests are inventried at 70 days frm the date laid and are therefre included in calculatins fhatch success and emergence success. Nests n nrth Siesta Key, R-45 t R-61, were inventried at 80 days frm the date laid ifn hatches were bserved because the incubatin rate is slwer due t the fine white sand characteristic fthis sectin. 7

12 Sea Turtle Prtectin Measures Sea turtle prtectin measures implemented during the 2011 seasn fllwed prtcls determined by FWC Marine Turtle Cnservatin Guidelines (2007) and included: Relcating endangered nests ifplaced in immediate threat fwashing ut Caging nests with self-releasing r restraining cages when nests were threatened by predatrs r lighting Placing an FWC apprved fire ant cntrl (Amdr) arund nests when fire ants (S/enpsis invicta) were bserved Cmmunicating with the Sarasta Cunty Cde Enfrcement regarding artificial illuminatin f the beach and hatchling disrientatin events due t nn-cmpliant lighting Data Analysis Sea turtle emergence and hatching data were cmpiled in a Micrsft Access database. Data input is supervised by staff and quality checks are cnducted fr the riginal data sheet, thrugh data input, and fr data errrs befre analysis. Figures and tables were created in Micrsft Access, Excel, r Wrd. Statistical analyses were cnducted using Access r Excel with the PpTls add-in. Maps were prepared with Ggle Earth using 2010 aerial phtgraphy. NESTING SUCCESS Turtle Emergences (Nests and Nn-Nesting Emergences) Lggerhead turtles accunted fr 97.7% f sea turtle activity n Siesta Key in Green turtles accunted fr the remaining 2.3% (Appendix D). Lggerhead nesting ccurred between May 2 and August 11 and green nesting ccurred between June 23 and August 5 (Figure 4). Beach mnitring effrts dcumented 161 lggerhead nests, 177 lggerhead NNEs, fur green turtle nests, and fur green turtle NNEs (Appendix A). This is an increase frm the number f lggerhead nests (n = l38) and a increase frm the number flggerhead NNEs (n 161) dcumented in There were 157 in situ and fur relcated lggerhead nests and fur in situ green nests. Nest relcatins were cnducted due t washing ut and clse prximity t the mean high water line. All nest lcatins are mapped in Figure 5. Based n FWC data cllected thrughut Flrida's nesting beaches, the prprtins fnests t NNEs shuld be relatively similar and the balance between the tw serves as an indicatr f a beach's nesting suitability. When numbers fnnes substantially exceed that fnests, it typically indicates that sme cmbinatin f factrs deters the turtles frm nesting. The skewed rati fnests t NNEs can be assciated with natural causes (e.g., escarpments, beach cmpactness, r flding) r human-related factrs (e.g., beach lighting, beach armring structures, beach furniture, r physical harassment). Sea Turtle Mnitring. Nest Evaluatin. and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

13 Histrically, nesting densities f sea turtles n Siesta Key range between 10.8 and 38.1 nests/km (17.4 and 61.3 nests/mi). Nesting density, including bth lggerhead and green nests, was 18.3 nests/km (29.5 nests/mi) acrss Siesta Key (Table 1). Lggerhead nesting density was 17.9 nests/km (28.8 nests/mi). Green turtle nesting density was 0.4 nestslkm (0.7 nests/mi). Nesting success n Siesta Key was 47.7% (Table 1). Lggerhead nesting success was 47.6% (161 nests: 177 NNEs). Green turtle nesting success was 50.0% (4 nests: 4 NNEs). The 2011 nesting data fr the Siesta Key shreline indicate a 16.7% increase in lggerhead nest numbers frm the seasn (Figure 6). Since rganized mnitring began in 1991, Siesta Key lggerhead nesting numbers have varied between a lw f 69 in 2007 and a high f 343 in 1995 (Table 1, Figure 6). This variatin in lggerhead nesting is cnsistent with a general trend in lggerhead nesting dcumented thrughut the sutheastern U.S. (FWC 2008, Witheringtn et al. 2009), and mirrrs the trend in Sarasta Cunty which hsts the densest lggerhead nesting in the Gulf f Mexic (Appendix C). Pssible causes fr the variatin in lggerhead nesting numbers include incidental fisheries bycatch (lnglines, gillnets, shrimp trawling, artisanal), castal develpment, and beach armring (NMFS/USFWS 2009, Witheringtn et al. 2009). Climatic and ceangraphic factrs such as Nrth Atlantic Oscillatin (Van Hutan and Halley 2011) may als be respnsible. Accrding t the Flrida Index Nesting Trends (FWC 2011), "a detailed analysis f Flrida's lng-term lggerhead nesting data ( ) revealed that fllwing a 24 percent increase between 1989 and 1998, nest cunts declined 16 percent between 1998 and Hwever, the recent trend may be stabilizing. Lggerhead sea turtle nest cunts in 2011 were clse t the average fr the preceding five-year perid." Accrding t the FWC, a nest with n subsequent evidence f hatching is termed a mystery nest. Withut independent evidence, it can nly be presumed that a mystery nest was inaccurately classified, inundated, r pached. Mystery nests are included in calculatins f nesting success, but are mitted frm calculatins fr hatch success and emergence success. Seven f the 165 nests (4.2%) were mystery nests. Categrizatin fnn-nesting Emergences (NNEs) Sea turtles searching the shreline fr a suitable nesting site may abandn a nesting attempt and return t the water withut depsiting a clutch. Nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) can be categrized by the stage at which the turtle abandned r terminated nesting (Table 2). In 2011, the 177 Nl'-rEs n Siesta Key were categrized as: 1) 112 emergences with n digging; 2) 50 emergences with ne r mre bdy pits but n nest chamber; and 3) 15 emergences with ne r mre abandned nest chambers. The 2011 data are similar t thse frm 2010, with mst NNEs categrized as emergences withut digging a bdy pit r nest chamber. The first NNE n May 3 ccurred ne day after the first nest was laid. In 2011,52.4% f turtle emergences were classified as NNEs. 9

14 The relative distributin f nests and NNEs alng the length f Siesta Key identified specific prblem areas with elevated NNEs (Figure 7). Trublesme areas shuld be reviewed t flag the prblem surce (e.g., unshielded lights) and beachfrnt prperty wners shuld be advised f mre 'turtle friendly' slutins. Using this practive apprach culd ptentially reduce the number fnnes during the 2012 nesting seasn. The regin flwest nesting success n Siesta Key extended frm FDEP mnument R-50 t R 55 (1 nest: 19 NNEs). The nrthern end f Siesta Key histrically has lwer nesting numbers and nesting success due in part t a high amunt f artificial lighting and the level f human activity as well as a flat beach prfile and extreme sand cmpactin. The regins f highest nesting success n Siesta Key were adjacent t FDEP mnuments R-75 (17 nests: 5 NNEs) and R-45 (19 nests: 5 NNEs). FDEP mnument R-75 is dminated by cndminiums and R-45 is a small pcket beach with a few single family hmes. Visual Assessment fobstructins t Nesting Turtles accessing the Siesta Key shreline encuntered bstacles n 237 emergences, representing 68.5% f all activities (Figure 8). Ofthese emergences, 49.4% (117/237) resulted in NNEs. Turtles were bstructed by escarpments (208), rcks (27), dune walkvers (5), hles dug by peple (2), beach debris (1), rads (1), vegetatin (1), sandcastles (1), psts (1), stakes frm anther marked sea turtle nest (1), and a pati (1) (Appendix D). Ten turtles encuntered multiple bstacles. In 2011, turtles encuntered escarpments n 60.1 % f all emergences (208/346), cmpared t 48.7% (148/304) in Of all escarpment encunters, 45.7% (95/208) resulted in NNEs. In 2011,0.0% (0/346) f all sea turtle emergences encuntered beach furniture. The number f recrded ccasins where beach furniture r temprary structures were an bstructin t nesting turtles has remained steady ver the last several years. There were 0.6% (1/180) reprted incidences f beach furniture bstructins n Siesta Key in 2010,0.7% (2/304) in 2009,0.8% (3/364) in 2008, and nne in The lw amunt fbstructed nesting attempts can ptentially be attributed t a 2005 amendment t Sarasta Cunty's Sea Turtle Ordinance that requires the nightly remval f beach furniture and ther temprary structures frm May 1 thrugh Octber 31. Nest Site Selectin Mnitring persnnel measured the beach width n the mrning after nest depsitin. Measurements were taken frm the nest t the clsest upland vegetatin r barrier and frm the nest t the day's mean high water line. By dividing the available beach width int thirds, turtle preferences fr nest site selectin n the upper, middle, r lwer third fthe beach culd be determined, regardless f beach width. Nests which lacked distance measurements (n = 8) were mitted frm the analysis. 10

15 Ofthe nests n Siesta Key, 35.7% (56/157) were in the upper third fthe beach, 31.2% (49/157) were in the middle third, and 33.1 % (52/157) were in the lwer third. These data are useful indicatrs because studies suggest that nesting sea turtles have limited energy resurces t utilize when ascending a beach (Brck et ai., 2009, Crain et al, 1995, Wd and Bjrndal, 2000). These energy cnstraints are thught t create a pattern fnest site selectin clser t the high water line n recently nurished beaches that are brader and flatter than n mre steeply prfiled beaches. This situatin is trublesme as nests clse t the high water line have a higher prbability fbeing inundated r washed ut during stnns. Nest Chamber Characteristics Nest chamber measurements were tabulated fr nests laid n Siesta Key in 2011 (Table 3). Sea turtles dig their nest chambers using nly their rear flippers. Nests that were detennined t be laid by turtles with rear flipper defnnities were excluded frm this analysis because the fcus is n differing sand characteristics between native and nn-native beaches and nt sea turtle mrphmetrics. Lggerhead nests averaged 43.8 cm in depth (range cm), 25.4 cm in width (range cm), and 25.8 cm frm the sand surface t the tp fthe clutch (range 2-45 cm). The green nests averaged 63.3 cm in depth (range cm), 29.0 cm in width (28-31 cm), and 44.0 cm frm the sand surface t the tp'fthe clutch (range cm). Nests Lst t Ersin r Inundatin There were n hurricanes and ne named stnn event cntributing t castal ersin and/r sand accretin fr the 2011 nesting seasn. Tidal activity caused inundatin f 54.5% (90/165) f nests n Siesta Key, 42 fwhich washed ut (Table 4). Trpical Stnn Lee (9/5-917) affected 11.5% (191165) fnests, three f which washed ut. High tides and tidal surges nt assciated with stnn events inundated 43.0% (71/165) fnests, 39 fwhich washed ut. Fifty-seven nests were affected by mre than ne tidal event. Inundatins during 2011 impacted Siesta Key t a greater extent than in 2010 when 49.3% (70/142) fnests were inundated by tides. Nest Damage by Depredatin r Invasin Predatrs affected 21.8% (36/165) fnests (Figure 9). The depredatin incidents invlved rts (22), ghst crabs (7), raccns (5), and nesting females breaking their wn eggs (4) (Tables 5a and 5b). Sme nests were affected by multiple depredatin events. The percentage f depredated nests increased frm 20.3% (28/138) in It is ntable that raccn depredatin was high in 2008 and 2009 at the suthern end f Siesta Key/Palmer Pint Park area. Sarasta Cunty implemented a predatr remval prgram in In 2010, nly ne nest was depredated by raccns and in 2011, five nests were depredated by raccns. Sea Turtle Mnitring, Nest Evaluatin. and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

16 A 4-ft2 self-releasing screen f 2" x 4" wire mesh was placed ver ne nest that was depredated. The exact lcatin f the clutch was determined befre placement t avid damaging the clutch. Twelve nests were treated with an FWC apprved fire ant cntrl (Amdr) when fire ants (Sienpsis invicta) were bserved in r near the nests. In 20 II, ne nest was exeavated early t prevent fire ants frm clnizing the nest. Eight incidents f nest vandalism ccurred in 2011, a decrease frm 12 nests in 2010 (Appendix D). N nests were pached in 2010 r REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS Incubatin perid Calculatins f mean incubatin perid nly included nests fr which bth the date laid and date hatched were knwn (n = 78; Table 6). Several interrelated factrs such as nest lcatin n the beach, amunt f rainfall, substrate clr, and envirnmental temperature cntribute t the cmplex variatins in incubatin temperature that in turn dictate incubatin perid. The average incubatin perid fr bth in situ and relcated lggerhead nests n Siesta Key (n 78) was 51.2 days with a range f days. The average incubatin perid fr in situ lggerhead nests (n 73) was 51.4 days with a range f days. The average incubatin perid fr relcated lggerhead- nests (n = 5) was 49.0 days with a range f days. The first lggerhead nest hatched n June 22 and the last nest hatched n September 15. The three green turtle nests had an average incubatin perid f52.3 days with a range f days. The first green nest hatched n August 19 and the last green nest hatched n September 12. Hatch Success Hatch success was calculated fr 75 in situ lggerhead nests, tw relcated lggerhead nests, and three green nests with cmplete excavatin data. These nests were separated int inundated and nn-inundated categries (Table 7). Nests were excavated and inventried with cntents srted int categries f hatched eggs, unhatched eggs, live r dead pipped hatchlings, and live r dead hatchlings. Statistics were cmpiled frm the pled results fr all individual nests. When hatches are nt bserved, nests are inventried at 70 days frm the date laid (r 80 days n nrth Siesta Key) and are therefre included in calculatins f hatch success and emergenee success. Nests that were ttally r partially washed ut were excluded in the hatch r emergence success calculatins. The hatch success fr bth in situ and relcated lggerhead nests (n = 77) was 55.0%, with 41.4% unhatched eggs and 3.5% pipped eggs. The hatch success fr in situ lggerhead nests (n 75 nests and 7,022 eggs) was 55.7% with 40.7% unhatched eggs and 3.6% pipped eggs. The relcated lggerhead nests (n = 2) had a hatch success f28.4% with 71.0% unhatched eggs and 0.5% pipped eggs. The hatch success fr in situ lggerhead nests is higher than in 2010 (49.6%, n 80). There were n relcated nests in 2010 fr cmparisn. 12

17 Hatch success was 35.4% fr all inundated lggerhead nests (n = 33) and 70.1 % fr all nninundated nests (n = 44). The green turtle nests (n = 3) had a hatch success f 56.6% with 30.7% unhatched eggs and 12.7% pipped eggs. Hatch success was 66.1 % fr the ne inundated green nest and 53.1 % fr the tw nn-inundated green nests. Emergence Success Emergence success was calculated fr nests with cmplete excavatin data. The emergence success fr all lggerhead nests (n = 74) was 52.5%. The emergence success fr in situ lggerhead nests (n = 72) was 53.1 %. The relcated lggerhead nests (n 2) had an emergence success f27.3%. The emergence success fr in situ lggerhead nests is higher than in 2010 (45.7%, n = 80). There were n relcated nests in 2010 fr cmparisn. Inundated nests (n = 33) had 31.6% emergence success while nn-inundated nests (n 41) had 68.5% emergence success. The green turtle nests (n 3) had an emergence success f39.7%. Emergence success was 28.4% fr the ne inundated green nest and 43.8% fr the tw nninundated green nests. Lggerhead nests with cmplete excavatin data (n = 74) revealed that 3,781 hatchlings emerged independently prir t nest excavatin (Table 8). The in situ green turtle nests (n 3) revealed 159 hatchlings emerged independently prir t nest excavatin. Nests with incmplete excavatin data (i.e., nests that were excavated early, depredated, r partial washuts) prduced an additinal 1,653 live lggerhead hatchlings (n = 40 nests) and 97 live green hatchlings (n = 1 nest) that emerged independently. A ttal f 5,434 (3, ,653) live lggerhead hatchlings and a ttal f 256 ( ) live green hatchlings emerged independently frm Siesta nests. Disrientatin Events One adult turtle disrientatin and 22 hatchling disrientatin events were dcumented, resulting in a minimum f263 disriented hatchlings (Table 9, Appendix B). Using nly viable nests (i.e., thse frm which hatchlings emerged) a disrientatin rate f 21.8% was bserved cmpared t 17.1 % in 2010 (Figure 10). The disrientatin rate f all nests, bth viable and nnviable (i.e., zer emergence), was 13.3% cmpared t 14.8% in 2010 (Figure 10). Histrically the Siesta Key disrientatins percentages have been lw. The disrientatin percentages reached a high in 2007 and have nly drpped slightly since then (Figure 10). When cmpared t ther Sarasta beaches, histrically Siesta Key disrientatins have been ne fthe lwest but are nw cnsistently high (Appendix C). Disrientatins were attributed t htels r cndminiums (16), sky glw (12), single family residences (7), lights frm parking lts (3), and street lights (1). In sme events, there was mre Sea Turtle Mnitring. Nest Evaluatin, and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

18 than ne cause fr disrientatin (Table 9, Figure 11). Htels r cndminiums were the mst frequent cause fdisrientatins, being implicated in 69.6% f all reprts. In each dcumented case, STCRP persnnel cmmunicated with the Sarasta Cunty Cde Enfrcement Officers abut artificial ii1uminatin f the beach and hatchling r adult turtle disrientatin events due t nn-cmpliant lighting. Lcatins between FDEP mnuments R-68 and R-72 were respnsible fr 46.7% (7/15) f hatchling disrientatins. Evidence dcumented by Crain et al (1995) frm past Flrida beach nurishment prjects has demnstrated that nurished beaches are elevated and wider, thus allwing mre light t be visible fr a greater distance alng the beach axis. Disrientatins are easily preventable by adhering t the rules f "Keep it lw, keep it lng, keep it shielded." Imprved lighting cmpliance is needed t stem the cncern abut hatchling disrientatins. Ideally, nighttime lighting inspectins crdinated between STCRP bservatins and lcal cde enfrcement fficers will attempt t address utstanding lighting issues befre May 1. Onging lighting checks shuld reccur in July at the beginning fhatching seasn and cntinue until the last nest hatches. Lighting wrkshps c-hsted by STCRP, Manatee and Sarasta Cunty, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, the Twn flngbat Key, Flrida Pwer and Light (FPL), FWC, and USFWS were held yearly between 2007 and 2011 t help decrease the ccurrence f disrientatins. Representatives frm the lcal, state, and federal levels discussed lighting and its impacts n nesting sea turtles and emerging hatchlings as well as ptins fr turtle friendly lighting. Attending hmewners, prperty wners, and cntractrs were given the chance t cmplete the fficial sea turtle exterir lighting exam. T reduce the ptential impacts frm current and future nurishment prjects, prperty wners must put int effect what they learned at the lighting seminar and the lcal lighting rdinance must be strictly enfrced. Lighting wrkshps chsted by STCRP are planned fr 2012 and hpefully will encurage imprved cmpliance with the Sarasta Cunty Sea Turtle Prtectin Ordinance (N ). As beachfrnt lighting prblems decline, hatchlings emerging n darker beaches may becme mre vulnerable t skyglw r the increased impact f pint surce light (Mazzarella et al 2011). Lighting issues can be cmplicated, and the simple guidelines are useful steps fr pint surces f light, but may nt be adequate ifurban skyglw is a larger issue. In such cases, there may be need fr light shielding by vegetatin screens. This may develp as a Flrida-wide castal issue fr beachfrnt envirnments where nnnative vegetatin (particularly Australian pines, Casuarina equisetiflia) is remved r suffers strm damage. 14

19 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We acknwledge the assistance fvlunteers wh cntributed a ttal f2,709 hurs and an estimated $57,870 f in kind supprt t Siesta Key effrts in The cmmunity based cnservatin effrt n Siesta Key included Mte Staff (T. Tucker, S. Hirsch, K. Klingensmith, K. Mazzarella, J. Flint, A. Harper, L. Kabat), cllege interns and graduate students (M. Bernhard, R. Blake, C. Bvery, A. Cass, R. Edman, S. Fiest, W. Grver, 1. Sinichk, 1. Shre, R. Tassell), permitted vlunteers n Marine Turtle Permit 070 (M. Brugger, 1. Fte, K. Heuberger, D. Taurtis), and ther beach vlunteers under an FWC Letter f Authrizatin (T. Andretta, T. Andretta, K. Aquin, B. Austin, E. Barniskis, D. Buckalter, M. Buckalter, K. Carter, C. Cissel, 1. Day, R. Day, 1. DeCapri, N. Deckard, R. Deckard, L. Dnald, F. Dymnicki, L. Eck, M.B. Gdbld, K. Grm, K. Hamma, S. Hargis-Spigel, Y. Hebda, 1. Hllway, S. Hper, C. Hrn, R. Hunter, C. Janetzke, D. Janetzke, A. Kincade, C. Klein, D. Klinger, 1. Lng, D. Lve, M. Lve, L. Lucas, D. McKissick, N. Pinder, 1. Ray, M. Reda, B. Rbillard, A. Sctt, M. Sermet, M. Shepherd, K. Sherrw, D. Slate, S. Slate, K. Taylr, S. Taylr, J. Tufts, N. Valentine, N. Vaughan-Birch, T. Vaughan-Birch, A. Wanless, L. Wanless, C. Weisman, M. Wells, R. Wells, S. Werlinich, G. Wessner, R. Wessner, S. Winchester) Mte vlunteers Diane McKissick, June Lng, and Sally Werlinich distributed pre-seasn lighting infrmatin t beachfrnt prperties. Jerris Fte and Sarasta Cunty Parks arranged fr A TV strage and vehicle parking in the cunty park at Turtle Beach Campgrund. Keri Ferenc Nelsn f Sarasta Cunty Cmmunity Services cnducted regular lighting inspectins and beach furniture vilatin enfrcement fthe Sarasta Cunty Sea Turtle Prtectin Ordinance. 15

20 LITERATURE CITED Brck, KA, JS Reece, and LM Ehrhart The effects f artificial beach nurishment n marine turtles: differences between lggerhead and green turtles. Restratin Eclgy 17: Crain, DA, AB Blten, and KA Bjrndal Effects f beach nurishment n sea turtles: review and research initiatives. Restratin Eclgy 3: Davis, RA, MY Fitzgerald, and J Terry Turtle nesting n adjacent beaches with different cnstructin styles: Pinellas Cunty, Flrida. 1. Castal Research 15: Federal Register FR 8491, June 2, 1970 Federal Register FR 18319, December 2,1970 Federal Register FR 32800, July 28, 1978 Federal Register FR 58868, September 22, 2011 Flrida Fish and Wildlife Cnservatin Cmmissin Trends in Nesting by Flrida Lggerheads. URL: Flrida Fish and Wildlife Cnservatin Cmmissin nest survey results d nt change turtle nesting trends. URL:research.myfwc.cmifeatures/view _ article.asp?id= Flrida Fish and Wildlife Cnservatin Cmmissin Sea turtle cnservatin guidelines. URL: Mazzarella, K, K Ferenc-Nelsn, S Hirsch, P Clark and T Tucker Which way d we g? Shifting trends in disrientatins affect light management strategies. Internatinal Sea Turtle Sciety, 31 st Annual Sympsium n Sea Turtle Bilgy and Cnservatin, San Dieg, Califrnia Mrtn, RA and RL Petersn Castal classificatin atlas. West-central Flrida castal classificatin maps - Anclte Key t Venice Inlet. USGS Open File Reprt , Versin 1.1. U.S. Department f the Interir, U.S. Gelgical Survey. URL: pubs.usgs.gv/f/2003/fd3-227/index.html Natinal Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recvery plan fr nrthwest Atlantic ppulatin f the lggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). URL: _ atlantic.pdf Petersn, CH and MJ Bishp Assessing the envirnmental impacts f beach nurishment. Biscience 55: Rumbld, DG, PW Davis, and C Perretta Estimating the effect f beach nurishment n Caretta caretta (lggerhead sea turtle) nesting. Restratin Eclgy 9: SWOT State f the wrld's sea turtles, Vl. 2. URL: Van Hutan, KS and JM Halley Lng-term climate frcing in lggerhead sea turtle nesting. PLS ONE 6(4): e di: jurnal.pne Witheringtn, B, P Kubilis, B Brst, and A Meylan Decreasing annual nest cunts in a glbally imprtant lggerhead sea turtle ppulatin. Ecl. Appl. 19: Wd, D, and K Bjrndal Relatin f temperature, misture, salinity and slpe t nest site selectin in lggerhead sea turtles. Cpeia 2000:

21 Table 1. Nest and nn-nesting emergence (NNE) numbers and nesting success fr sea turtles nesting n Siesta Key, Year Nests NNE Nest Success Km Nest density Activity density I I I I , I ] III * Grey areas illustrate years befre mnitring was standardized fr effrt in * indicates the years f nurishment prjects with mnitring requirements I Sea Turtle Mnitring. Nest Evaluatin. and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

22 Table 2. Categries f lggerhead nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) fr Siesta Key, # Emergence-n digging 112 # With preliminary bdy pit 50 # With abandned egg chamber 15 Ttal # NNEs 177 Table 3. Lggerhead sea turtle nest chamber measurements fr Siesta Key, Values are means fllwed in parentheses by sample size, ne standard deviatin, and range. Values exclude measurements frm females with rear flipper injuries. Surface t tp f clutch (cm) 25.8 (59, 9.5, 2-45) Nest chamber depth (cm) 43.8 (59, 8.2, 22-65) Nest chamber width (cm) 25.4 (83, 4.8, 16-43) Table 4. Sea turtle nests affected by tidal activity n Siesta Key, Tidal Event Wash Over WashOut Ttal Trpical Strm Lee Unnamed Events Ttal

23 Table Sa. Nest damage and preventative measures taken due t depredatin (including rt invasin) n Siesta Key, Ttal nests n beach Nests affected* % Nests affected 18.4% 20.3% 22.4% ITtal depredatin events* !Nests caged befre depredatin % Caged befre depredatin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Nests caged after depredatin % Caged after depredatin 2.2% 0.7% 0.6% * Ttal depredatin events include all instances f depredatin n a given nest, i.e. a nest depredated by a ghst crab, fire ants, and a raccn equals three depredatin events but nly ne nest affected. Table 5b. Identified nest predatrs n Siesta Key, Nest predatrs Armadill Bbcat Cyte Dmestic Dg Fire ants Fx Ghst crab Hg Human Raccn Rts Turtle Unknwn Ttal depredatin events Table 6. Ttal incubatin perid f in situ and relcated lggerhead nests that experienced emergence n Siesta Key, In Situ Relcated Ttal # f Nests Average Incubatin (days) Range fincubatin (days) I I Sea Turtle Mnitring, Nest Evaluatin. and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key

24 Table 7. Hatch success fr in situ and relcated lggerhead nests n Siesta Key, Inundated Nests Nn-Inundated Nests In situ Relcated Ttal In situ Relcated Ttal Overall Ttal # f Nests # Hatched # Livc Pipped # Dead Pipped 122 I # Destryed # Unhatched Ttal Eggs Hatch Success 35.8% 28.4% 35.4% 70.1% %?5.0% * Green turtle hatch success data is reprted in the text. Table 8. Hatchling emergence success fr in situ and relcated lggerhead nests n Siesta Key, Nests Inundated Nests Nt Inundated. In.'illu Relcated Ttal In situ Relcated Ttal Overall Ttal # fnests , # Hatched # Live in Nest 51 I i # Dead in Nest 65 I # Emerged Ttal Eggs Emergence Success 31.9% 27.3% 31.6% 68.5% % 52.5% * Green turtle emergence success data mentined in text. 20

25 i Table 9. Sea turtle disrientatins n Siesta beaches, Date Nest lcatin Turtle(s) attracted t Minimum # Disriented Prbable light type Outside/ Inside Prject SAND 7858 SAND 1 (Adult) SFH (Interir & Exterir) Outside 7858 SAND, 8730 MPR SFH (Interir & Exterir), 7/6 8730MPR (Trtuga Club, Inc.), Siesta 40 Cndminium (Interir & Outside Village Exterir), Skyglw 7/9 9357BPR 9200,9357,9230 BPR 4 SFH (Interir & Exterir) Outside MPR 8730 MPR (Trtuga Club Cndminium (Interir & 25 Incl Exterir), Skyglw Outside 7/ BPR 9265,9150 (Fisherman's haven)bpr 16 SHF (Interir & Exterir) Outside 7125 Vicinity f9265 BPR 9150 BPR (Fisherman's Cndminium (Interir & 10 t 9150 BPR Haven) Exterir) Outside 7126! Vicinity f 9265 BPR 9150 BPR (Fisherman's Cndminium (Interir & 1 t 9150 BPR Haven) Exterir) Outside 9200 (Siesta Dunes), 6142 Cndminium (Interir & 8/2 6200MPR 6150 MPR (Island Huse), 20 Exterir) i and Nrth Outside 8/ MPR 8600 MPR (Hidden Lagn Cndminium (Interir & 9 Beach Club) Exterir) Outside 8/ MPR 8600 MPR (Hidden Lagn Beach Club) 6 Cndminium (Interir) Outside 8/ SAND Nrth & Suth 7 Nne Outside 8/4 615 Feet Suth f 8FH (Interir & Exterir), 9230 BPR, Siesta Village 6 FDEP 77 Skyglw Outside 8/4 6200MPR 6200 MPR (Siesta Dunes) 2 Cndminium (Interir & Exterir) Outside 6744 SSCI (Sea Club V),! SDD (Hyatt), 8/21 691OPORR 1129 SDD (Seacrest Cndminium (Interir & 7 Apartments), 6518 SDD Exterir), Skyglw Outside (Huse fthe Sun), Siesta Village 6500 (Sea Shell), 6744 (Sea Parking Lt, Streetlight, 8/ PORR Club V), & 6737 (Cnclare 3 Cndminium (Interir & Outside ApartmentslMPR Exterir), Skyglw 8/23 WHISP Nrthwest cmer f Cndminium (Interir & Nrthern Whispering Sands 70 Exterir) Building Outside 8/ MPR 8730 (Trtuga Club, Inc.), Parking Lt, Cndminium 8600 MPR (Hidden Lagn 13 Outside (Interir & Exterir), Skyglw Beach Club) i Nrth, 8730 MPR (Trtuga Cndminium (Interir & 8/ MPR 3 Outside I Club, Inc.) Exterir), Skyglw / SAND Nrth, 8100 SAND 3 SFH (Interir & Exterir) Outside i 8600 MPR (Hidden Lagn Cndminium (Interir & 9/3 8600MPR 11 i Beach Club) Exterir), Skyglw Outside I 9/ SAND 8100 SAND 2 SFH (Interir & Exterir), Skyglw Outside! 9/4 WHISP Whispering Sands Parking Parking Lt, Cndminium 4 (Interir&.:; xteri()r Outside I 21

26 Table 9. Sea turtle disrientatins n Siesta beaches, 2011 (cntinued). Date Nest lcatin Turtle(s) attracted t 9/12 WHISP Nrthwest crner f Nrthern Whispering Sands Building Minimum # Disriented 1 Prbable light type Cndminium (Interir & Exterir) Outside/ Inside Prject Outside BPR Blind Pass Rad, BR = Beach Rad, MPR = Midnight Pass Rad, PORR Pint f Rcks Rad, SSCI Sarasea Circle, SDD Seaside Drive, SAND = Sanderling Rad, SFH Single Family Hme, WHISP = Whispering Sands 22

27 [ A (l Figure 1. Nurishment prject fr Siesta Key. 23

28 Figure 2. A nn-nesting emergence evident by the abandned nest chamber (tp) and a successful lggerhead nest (bttm). Species is cnfirmed by the alternating flipper tracks, and nest is cnfirmed by the thrwn sand during bdy pitting and nest cvering. 24

29 DO NOl DISlURB SEA TURTLE NEST Figure 3. Sea tulile nest sign used t identify nests n Sarasta Cunty beaches (left) and a marked sea tulile nest (right).. Nest. NNE 30 r , 25L! = Q 15 rl z 10 rl I _.., c It).., t:...., , 0...., 0... N!::' N N., N N "I!::' if!::' '7 '" 'f 'f iii iii ;::: v OJ "I en if if '\'...., v v v c OJ OJ N.;.., it; c N N en N ;::: t:... N... N it; ;;; '" ;;; N ;::: c N 00 a; 0... c... N it; '" in in ;;; ;;; ;::: ;::: ;::: a; Figure 4. Number f sea turtle nests and nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) n Siesta Key by week in Week Sea Turtle Mnilring, Nesl Evalualin, and Prlectin Measures fr Siesla Key

30 Figure 5. Siesta Key nest lcatins fr

31 In Q) E > :;::::; 0 « Q)..0 E 100 :::l Z 0 - # NNE - # Nests... M U),... en... M U),... en... en en en en en en en en en en N N N N N N Year Figure 6. Siesta Key sea turtle nesting and nn-nesting emergence (1\TNE) data frm ) Nest. NNE c E16 ::! Z I I I. I - I- -r. - - I Mnument Figure 7. Distributin f nests and nn-nesting emergences (NNEs) n Siesta Key in 2011 by FDEP mnument. 27

32 [J Beach Debris Beach Furniture DEscarpment DNurishment Pipe. Outfall Basin LlRad. Rcks DSeawall. Stepped Revetment III Walkver DVegetatin. Other , en CI> ;::; :; ;::; 0 40 <I: ' Year Figure 8. Percentage f activities that encuntered bstacles n Siesta Key frm

33 []Armadill. Bbcat []Cyte []Omestic Dg.Fire Ants []Fx. Ghst Crab []Hg. Nesting Turtle ID Raccn []Rts a Unknwn 30, :l.. III z Figure 9. Percentage f nests that were depredated n Siesta Key frm Year 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Siesta Key % f nests disriented - a ll nests viable nests T"" N M &t) t, en T"" T"" T"" N N N N N N N N N N N Year Figure 10. Trends in hatchling disrientatin events n Siesta Key frm

34 [J Cndminiums. D une crssver O Other Parking lt. Pier Reslauranlfbar. Sign Single Family Residences. Skyglw Street lighls Unknwn 3 Figure 11. Surces f disrientatin events n Siesta Key,

35 S'3:JN'3:HI'3:W3 DNI.LS'3:N-NON <INV S.LS'3:N YXI<IN3ddY (Sectins f Appendices are excluded.)

36 SEA TURTLE PROGRAM Fr questins call: Please return all datasheets via r fax: DATA FORM Date: Observer: NestlFC ID#: (date laid, riginal address, bserver) FDEP Mnument Address: Cnd Name: Key: Zne: t the NORTH: Use # ft 5 f FDEP Mnument (e.g ),... Species: 0 Lggerhead (Cc) fr Znes L 1, 5K 68, CK1, V4. V5. V6 f'r-r-r 0 Green (Cm) :. 10. '-.. l - \.. ;fr'(( r r GPS: Lat: 27. Lng: Other: D D NNE (False Crawl)* D Nt Verified Nest* if 'Green' r 'Other' please cntact Mte ACTIVITY DETAILS D Unmarked Nest (UMN)*** (fund at later date) D Verified Nest** Dist t tp f eggs cm D Triangulated? Stake A ft Stake B ft IF RELOCATED "'Recrd riginal nest cavity measurments in Nest Cavity sectin Date: New Address: Relcatr: Lat: 27. Lng: -82. # eggs relcated: Upland barrier: ft Reasn fr relcatin: Stake C ft # f abandnded bdy pits: Draw in diagram ( ) # f abandned egg chambers: Draw in diagram ( ) LOCATION NOTES ACTIVITY LOCATION: OBSTACLES ENCOUNTERED: Open beach D Slped D Vertical Escarpment Escarpment D D In / At vegetatin Crawled ver? y N Height: ft BEACH MEASUREMENTS: Length: ft Mean High Water: ft D Furniture (take pictures) Upland barrier: ft (vegetatin line, seawall, etc) D Other: D Mean high water D Predatin D Washing ut CAGE INFORMATION: D Cnstructin/Nurishment D Research/Study Prject NEST TREATMENT DATE: CAGE TYPE: WHEN CAGED? DB DB DB Ds DR Ds DR Ds DR D Befre depredatin DAfter depredatin D Befre depredatin DAfter deredatin D Befre depredatin DAfter depredatin CAGE TYPES: Self Releasing Bx (B), Self Releasing Screen (S), Restraining (R) COMMENTS: CRAWL DIAGRAM (please include permanent in/and buildings r markers) TAG #5 (Casey Key) RFF: LFF: PIT #: Attach cpy f Tag Frm SAT TAG? D Name: Radar Glfball? D - Water Line Mte nly - Turtle #: * NNEIN' fiff1!/oo E fj{f'f&f:fa&frjcatin Ntes, and Crawl Diagram *** UMN: Address, GP5, Nest lcatin, UplanddfJp fldipjf(grrm ** Verified.'."AiiilJfilL-DBiafiS, '}:n;;>7ic;ri. Nms. Ci;?,WiaaramJllml, 7i.1iil1lJlfi,(l1 <:;ct" 1<'0"?()11

37 NesUFCID#: EPREDATION: llatins ' Turtle, Racn, Fx, Crab, Armadill, Dg, Cyle Predatr: Predatr: Date: Predatr: Date: Predatr: nt include in Unhatched Eggs Encased: WATER DAMAGE (A): cm ALL dates shuld be recrded DATE(S): Include Strm Name if applicable Surface t Bttm (B): cm Nest Wash Over Cavity Width (C): cm Wash Over B Stake Lss I samples Taken Y N -VVh atsamples? call Mte' Vandalized 0 Pached HUMAN DAMAGE take HATCHING DATA: Oate: ive in nest: Hatched shells: -I Oate: Dead in nest: Oetails:(Signs, Clues, Hw).. 00 NOT include 'Live in nest' and in nest' in Ttal Eggs sum ' Live pipped: Dead pipped: Unhatched: ---- Mte nly II L..-...:I' '-'"... '-J't....,y'""u. Mte nly I I '"' I r"ll..... V". 00 NOT add 10 Tlal Eggs Ylkless eggs: COMMENTS cmment and Sea Turtle Mnitring, Nest Evaluatin, and Prtectin Measures fr Siesta Key 2011 A- 2

38 S.LllOdDl NOI.LV.LN3JllOSI(l3:TLllJ1.l, 3:NnIVW :JM.a g XIGN3:ddV

39 V) --1. I ("l I \ :± Q t " \ " \ 'l \ - I :r..3 t MOTE MARINE LABORATO..> Appendix B - 48 il'fi efl. Bl'ldE.rQtectin Measures fr Siesta Key 2011

40 ApPENDIX C SARASOTA COUNTY T RENDS Sarasta Cunty- lggerhead nesting trends -Nests - NNEs , ,----,----,----,----, It)... M It) I"' Q)... Q)... Q)....- N N N N N N State and Cunty trends fr lggerhead nesting - Flrida SNBS -Sarasta SNBS 90,000., : $ VI 85,000-4,000 Q) c: 80,000 't:j n:i 3,500 Q) 75,000 f 70,000 - C) 3,000 65,000 (/) CD 60,000 z f/} 55,000 2,500 n:i 't:j 50,000 'i: 2,000 0 u:: 45,000 40,000 1, M \I),... 0)... M \I),... 0)... 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) ) 0) 0) 0) 0) N N N N N N 't:j n:i Q).t:... Q) C) C) (/) $ al VI Z Q) CIl c () VI n:i... n:i (/) Appendix C - 1

41 Lngbat-S 0 Lid 0 Siesta. Casey 0 Venice. Manasta-N I/) t:-: t: 2000 (l) ) J iii 't"'" 0') 0') 't"'" I M 0') 0') 't"'" Ii I It) 0') 0') 't"'" i Ii Iii t- 0') 0') 't"'" 0') 0') 0') 't"'".. 't"'" N - - Ii "" - - M N,-..! It) N.... t- N II 0') I 't"'" 't"'" N Sarasta Cunty - lggerhead nesting density (mnitring standardized in 1991) - Lngbat-S --Lid Siesta Casey - Venice - Manasta-N _, 160 I E 120 J!l 1/1 80 :t:t: /, I\, / r= F\.. X 40 r ".,. / '- J -..."""'"... =-> ::::::...- 0::::1 I....., It)... 0'>....., It)... 0'> 0'> 0'> 0'> 0'> 0'>... 0'> 0'> 0'> 0'> 0'> N N N N N N Appendix C - 2

42 0.70 III 0.65 'i C'G 0.60 " 0.55 u Q) 0.50 C'G 0.45 LL J!! 0.35 III 0.30 Q) z Sarasta Cunty- lggerheads ratis f nests : false crawls... M II) t-- en... M II) t-- en... en en en en en en en en en en N N N N N N - Lngbat-S - Lid Siesta - Casey - Venice - Manasta-N Sarasta Cunty: Lggerhead Nesting Success r i i i u ,- --, ,- --, ,, ,---, ,---, j cn cn ('II C") ('II II) ('II,... ('II cn ('II ('II Appendix C - 3

43 40 Sarasta Cunty - green turtle nests j!} 20 z r c 0 c en en en - 1-:1]-I- n II n nn 0 N.q CD c 0 N.q CD en en en 0') en en 0') 0') N N N N r c N N 10,000 J!l C <II 8,000 t: ::J - c <II 6,000 - <II... C) en ID 4,000 fti 'C 'r: 0 2,000 u:: 0 - /\. State and Cunty trends fr green nesting - Flrida INBS -Sarasta,,,,,,,:,,,,,",, y, y, en... CO) 10,... en... CO) 10,... en c en en en en en en en en en en en N N N N N N 40 If) If) -<II c <II t: ::J-C 25 3l... C) en ID z U? 0 10 () CIS 0 -If) 5 CIS 0... CIS en Appendix C - 4

44 100 Hatch Success fr Mte Patrlled Beaches - LBMC LBK - Lid - SK Nrth - SK Suth - CK - V ,., '" " 60 " 50 rj).s::: :;; " 40 :I: Year Hatchling Prductin - beaches surveyed by Mte Marine Labratry. LB DL DSK. CK Dv "0., "0 e " -"' '" :;; " :I: - :;; E z" l-.. I I - f-- i- I-- i- - - i- - - I-- i- 1- i- I I 1--1 I I n.. N.., I I' '" n '"... 0> 0> 0> 0 N N N N N N N N N N Year II 0> 0> 0> 0 ;; I Appendix C - 5

45 Percentage f bstructed activities (Lngbat, Lid, Siesta, Casey, Venice) Beac h Debris Beach Furniture Escarpment 0 Nurishment Pipe. Outfall Basin ORad. Rcks Seawall II Stepped Revetment. Walkver OVegetatin _ Other '" 40 > :;::: «" '0, Year % Obstructins n Mte Patrlled Beaches Beach Debris Beach Furniture Escarpment 0 Nurishment Pipe. Outfall Basin ORad. Rcks Seawall II Stepped Revetment II Walkver OVegetatin. Other 100% E:II""""'I 90% 80% 70% 60% " 50%.c '" 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% J Year Appendix C - 6

46 Percentage f nests affected by predatrs (Lngbat, Lid, Siesta, Casey, Venice) DArmadill Bbcal DCyle DDmestic Dg Fire Ants 01'0 Ghsl Crab DHg. Nesting Turtle. Ra cc n DRts. Unknwn 35, ,., z Year % Depredatins by type n Mte Patrlled Beaches DArmadill Bbcat OCyte 0 Dmestic Dg. Fire Ants 0 Fx. Ghst Crab 0 Hg Nesting Turtle. Raccn DRts Unknwn 100% 90% 80% 70%., c: 60%." Q.., 50% 0 ;!. 40% 30% 20 % 10% 0% Year Appendix C - 7

47 Disrientatins as % f all nests - Lngbat Key - Lid Key Siesta Key - Casey Key - Venice 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% N N 0 0 N C") N q N -----, It) N CD N r- N c N en N... N N Categries f 2011 Turtle Disrientatins (Lngbat, Lid, Siesta, Casey, Venice) Cndminiums Dune crssver Other Parking lt. Pier t5i Restaurant/bar Single Fam ily Residences 0 Skyglw Street lights 140 r ':H I, j I, I I, I I, I H Lngbat Lid Siesta Casey Venice Key Appendix C - 8

48 ApPENDIXD P HOTOGRAPHS AND INCIDENTAL N OTES

49 APPENDIX 03. GREEN TURTLE ACTIVITIES Kessie is a 116 cm green turtle tagged riginally in 2009 while nesting n the stretch f beach adjining suth Siesta and nrth Casey Key. She depsited seven nests after many false crawls in Her 2009 satellite tracking data revealed a migratin t a fraging grund ff Campeche, Mexic. Her satellite transmitter was detached and was statinary n land fr many mnths in Villa Mader, but it was eventually recvered by Mexican authrities wh returned it t Mte. Kessie returned in 2011 and laid seven mre nests and multiple false craw Is n the same stretch f Siesta/Casey beach. Her predictable internesting interval f eight t eleven days prvided a chance t intercept and verify her remigratin at the end f the 2011 seasn. Kessie may return in 2013 if she maintains a tw year remigratin interval. The site fidelity (distance between nests in a seasn) f Kessie was 3.8 km fr 2009 and 2.6 km fr Figure Kessie's nests fr the 2009 seasn (yellw circles, nte that tw circles are actually verlapping) and 2011 seasn (red circles). Appendix 0-5 Sea Turtle Mnitring, Nest Evaluatin, and Prtective Measures fr Siesta Key 2011