IN-WATER SEA TURTLE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE MONITORING ON PALM BEACH COUNTY NEARSHORE REEFS FOR:

Similar documents
Response to SERO sea turtle density analysis from 2007 aerial surveys of the eastern Gulf of Mexico: June 9, 2009

The Effect of Beach Nourishment on Juvenile Green Turtle Distribution Along the Nearshore of Broward County, Florida

Field report to Belize Marine Program, Wildlife Conservation Society

GNARALOO TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM 2011/12 GNARALOO CAPE FARQUHAR ROOKERY REPORT ON SECOND RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY (21 23 JANUARY 2012)

1995 Activities Summary

Title. Grade level. Time. Student Target. PART 3 Lesson: Populations. PART 3 Activity: Turtles, Turtle Everywhere! minutes

An integrated study of the Gladstone Marine System

Prepared by Christine Hof and Dr Ian Bell

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Guidelines for Marine Turtle Permit Holders

CHAPTER 14: MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF LISTED SPECIES

Human Impact on Sea Turtle Nesting Patterns

Sea Turtle Protection by Means of Coastal Engineering: Field Study on Sea turtle Behavior, Coastal Processes of a Nesting Beach

B E L I Z E Country Report. WIDECAST AGM FEB 2, 2013 Linda Searle ><> Country Coordinator

Morning Census Protocol

What Is in This Section? exposed to Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil and response activities?

January ADDENDUM Responses to US Fish and Wildlife Service Comments. US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District South Atlantic Division

Marine Turtle Monitoring & Tagging Program Caño Palma Biological Station Playa Norte Morning Protocol 2013

FINAL (VERSION 3) Department of the Navy Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100 JBPHH HI

Puna Lava Zone - Marine Resource Reconnaissance Survey Preliminary Report Prepared by Kallie Barnes / Hawai i Wildlife Fund 28 September 2018

Marine Turtle Research Program

A brief report on the 2016/17 monitoring of marine turtles on the São Sebastião peninsula, Mozambique

GNARALOO TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM 2011/12 GNARALOO CAPE FARQUHAR ROOKERY REPORT ON FINAL RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY (21 23 FEBRUARY 2012)

Legal Supplement Part B Vol. 53, No th March, NOTICE THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SPECIES (GREEN TURTLE) NOTICE, 2014

Sea Turtle Grant R Final Report Determining Long-term Movements of Juvenile Green Turtles in the Indian River Lagoon System

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

American Samoa Sea Turtles

Teacher Workbooks. Language Arts Series Internet Reading Comprehension Oceans Theme, Vol. 1

BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY (BIOT) BIOT NESTING BEACH INFORMATION. BIOT MPA designated in April Approx. 545,000 km 2

enable groups to track the occurrence of wasting disease on a local and coast wide scale.

EFFECTS OF THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL ON SEA TURTLES

Sea Turtles in the Middle East and South Asia Region

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE FOR THE HANDLING OF SEA TURTLES CAUGHT INCIDENTALLY IN MEDITERRANEAN FISHERIES

Routine Turtle and Dugong Monitoring Program Report Dredging Report 3

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON THE ERODING BEACHES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA ANNUAL REPORT

Representation, Visualization and Querying of Sea Turtle Migrations Using the MLPQ Constraint Database System

Dr Kathy Slater, Operation Wallacea

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON THE ERODING BEACHES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA 2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Behavior of Loggerhead Sea Turtles on an Urban Beach. I. Correlates of Nest Placement

United States Department ofthe Interior

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON THE ERODING BEACHES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA ANNUAL REPORT

ABSTRACT. Ashmore Reef

St Eustatius Country Report

Exceptions to prohibitions relating to sea turtles.

Volusia County Lighting Ordinance

CHAPTER 5. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEA TURTLES

Marine Turtle Surveys on Diego Garcia. Prepared by Ms. Vanessa Pepi NAVFAC Pacific. March 2005

Steller Sea Lions at Cattle Point. Sarah Catherine Milligan. Pelagic Ecosystem Function Research Apprenticeship Fall 2014

Who Really Owns the Beach? The Competition Between Sea Turtles and the Coast Renee C. Cohen

Removal of Alaskan Bald Eagles for Translocation to Other States Michael J. Jacobson U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Juneau, AK

Development of a GIS as a Management Tool to Reduce Sea Turtle Bycatch in U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Fisheries

CLEANING SYMBIOSIS AND DIEL BEHAVIOR OF GREEN TURTLES (CHELONIA MYDAS) AT PUAKO, HAWAII

Fibropapilloma in Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles: The Path to Extinction

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), National Oceanic. SUMMARY: NOAA Fisheries is closing the waters of Pamlico Sound, NC, to

May Dear Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard Surveyor,

The Seal and the Turtle

Distribution Unlimited

REPORT / DATA SET. National Report to WATS II for the Cayman Islands Joe Parsons 12 October 1987 WATS2 069

Structured PVA Historical essay: for example history of protection of Everglades

Sea Turtle Conservation in Seychelles

Study site #3 the primary site at the southern end of Upstart Bay.

Age structured models

Types of Data. Bar Chart or Histogram?

CHAPTER 6. ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL AREAS FOR SEA TURTLE BY-CATCH AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Routine Turtle and Dugong Monitoring Program Report Dredging Report 2

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA 2000 REPORT

TRASHING TURTLES: QUANTIFYING POLLUTION ON THREE SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACHES IN COSTA RICA

Read this passage. Then answer questions XX through XX. Sea Turtles. by Kathy Kranking

Southeast Regional Office th Avenue South. Ref.: SAJ , Town of Longboat Key, North End Groin Construction, Manatee County, Florida

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN A PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON ERODING BEACHES IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA

Florida s Wildlife Contingency Plan for Oil Spill Response June 2012 Sea Turtle Guidelines for Oil Spill Response

Study site #2 the reference site at the southern end of Cleveland Bay.

State Law reference Coastal areas used by sea turtles and rules for protection, restriction on local rules, F.S

Conservation Sea Turtles

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON THE ERODING BEACHES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

Jupiter/Carlin Nourishment A Case of Adaptive Management, Cooperation and Innovative Applications

Prepared by Kallie Barnes / Hawai i Wildlife Fund 5 January 2019

Canadian Organization for Tropical Education & Rainforest Conservation (COTERC)

Artificial night lighting and sea turtles

HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES ON THE ERODING BEACHES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Sixth Meeting of the IAC Conference of the Parties

An Overview of Protected Species Commonly Found in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office Protected Resources Division

Impacts of coastal development on hawksbill hatchling survival and swimming success during the initial offshore migration

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA 2003 REPORT

Management of Wildlife. By Ulrica Williams and Jade Catterson 5 th May 2009

Great Barrier Reef. By William Lovell, Cade McNamara, Ethan Gail

Title Temperature among Juvenile Green Se.

Tour de Turtles: It s a Race for Survival! Developed by Gayle N Evans, Science Master Teacher, UFTeach, University of Florida

A Sea Turtle's. by Laurence Pringle illustrated by Diane Blasius

Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles Belize Annual Report 2017

Village of Biscayne Park Commission Agenda Report

RED DATA BOOK MEDITERRANEAN CHELONIANS EDAGRICOLE - EDIZIONI AGRICOLE ON

Marine Debris and its effects on Sea Turtles

Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program

SUMMARY OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS ON SCOPING DOCUMENT FOR AMENDMENT 31 SEA TURTLE/LONGLINE INTERACTIONS (WITH ATTACHMENTS)

POP : Marine reptiles review of interactions and populations

University of Central Florida. Allison Whitney Hays University of Central Florida. Masters Thesis (Open Access) Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sea Turtle Management Plan

Keywords: Sea turtle, loggerhead turtle, coastal process, shoreline change, shore protection, beach nourishment, environment, Japan INTRODUCTION

PERCEPTION OF OCEAN WAVE DIRECTION BY SEA TURTLES

INDIA. Sea Turtles along Indian coast. Tamil Nadu

Transcription:

IN-WATER SEA TURTLE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE MONITORING ON PALM BEACH COUNTY NEARSHORE REEFS FOR: Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project Singer Island Erosion Control Project Sampling Event 6 September 16, 2009 SUBMITTED BY: Inwater Research Group 4160 N.E. Hyline Dr. Jensen Beach, FL 34957 SUBMITTED TO: Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management 2300 N. Jog Road, 4 th Floor West Palm Beach, FL 334

INTRODUCTION This report provides results from the sixth preconstruction survey of in-water sea turtle distribution and abundance monitoring conducted by Inwater Research Group for Palm Beach County. Surveys were conducted to meet permit conditions associated with the Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project, the Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project and the Singer Island Erosion Control Project. All surveys were conducted less than 250 meters offshore over hardbottom reef structure or adjacent to nearshore artificial structures that may be affected by project construction and post construction activities. Surveys were also conducted in similar habitat offshore of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. This area will not be impacted by project activities and serves as a control site for each of the three projects. This in-water sea turtle distribution and abundance monitoring effort is intended to provide data to quantify the effects of the shoreline protection and erosion control projects on the abundance of sea turtles in the project area as compared to concurrent data collected at the control site. This report presents data gathered on September 16, 2009 and is considered part of the baseline data for these projects. Subsequent surveys will be added to these baseline data and will be compared between seasons. These preconstruction surveys will provide a complete baseline dataset that will be used to compare sea turtle abundance in the project areas throughout the construction and post construction phases of the projects. These baseline data will serve as a way to assess the impact that these projects have on marine turtle abundance compared over time and between project and control sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aerial surveys have often been used to obtain information on the abundance and distribution of turtles over relatively large areas and are appropriate for documenting seasonal variations in population levels. On the relatively limited geographic scale of Palm Beach County, an analogous vessel based approach is more appropriate. This monitoring effort uses observers that count sea turtles from a small boat and provides an index of sea turtle abundance. Sightings per vessel/kilometer are calculated for each species, allowing for direct comparisons between seasons and areas. The monitoring is conducted from a boat equipped with a spotting tower capable of supporting two observers at an eye level of approximately 12 feet above the water. The GPS waypoints at the north and south ends of each transect line establish a base course that the helmsman follows. A constant vessel speed of 5 to 6 knots is maintained during all transects as vessel track and speed are recorded by GPS. With one observer looking to port and one observer looking to starboard, the vessel proceeds along the transect line. When a turtle is sighted, a GPS waypoint is collected and the turtle is identified to species, life history stage (juvenile, subadult or adult) and distance from transect line. The position of the turtle relative to the transect line (inshore, offshore, or on the transect line) is also recorded. To calculate sightings per unit effort, the number of sea turtles sighted on each transect is divided by the transect length which yields sea turtles sighted per kilometer of effort. These relative abundance data can then be compared between transects and between seasons. Transect Descriptions and Adjustments Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project Transect 1 (Project Area). Approximately 200 offshore between FDEP Reference markers R-13 and R- 19 (1.60 kilometers) 2

Transect 2 (Project Area). Approximately 400 offshore between FDEP Reference markers R-13 and R- 19 (1.60 kilometers) Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project Transect 3 (Project/Pier Area). 100 parallel to Juno Pier, north, east and south (427 meters) Transect 4 (Project/Pier Area). 300 parallel to Juno Pier, north, east and south (654 meters) Transect 5 (Downdrift Area). Approximately 200 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-47 and R-52 (1.60 kilometers) Transect 6 (Downdrift Area). Approximately 400 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-47 and R-52 (1.60 kilometers) Singer Island Erosion Control Project Transects 7-10 were adjusted in April 2009 to accommodate changes to the design of the Singer Island Erosion Control Project. Therefore, current transect lengths differ from previous sampling events. Transect 7 (Project Area). Approximately 200 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-60.5 and R-66 (1.8 kilometers) Transect 8 (Project Area). Approximately 400 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-60.5 and R-66 (1.8 kilometers) Transect 9 (Downdrift Area). Approximately 400 offshore (to enable safe vessel operation), between FDEP Reference markers R-66 and R-72 (1.8 kilometers) Transect 10 (Downdrift Area). Approximately 600 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-66 and R-72 (1.8 kilometers) Control Site (John D. MacArthur Beach State Park) for all projects Transect (Control Area). Approximately 200 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-52 and R-60.5 (2.33 kilometers) Transect 12 (Control Area). Approximately 400 offshore, between FDEP Reference markers R-52 and R-60.5 (2.33 kilometers) RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The sixth preconstruction survey was conducted on September 16, 2009. All surveys were conducted between 0900 and 1400 hours with seas of less than two feet and water visibility of 10 feet or greater. The tables below provide sightings per unit effort, by species (loggerhead {Caretta caretta} and green {Chelonia mydas}) for all transects conducted during all sampling events. There is some variation between sampling events, however there are not enough data to make any meaningful spatial or temporal comparisons. These analyses will be conducted when sufficient seasonal data are collected. A brief description of each transect census effort is provided below. 3

Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project Transect 1. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with light and variable winds at 5 knots. Sea surface conditions were smooth. Underwater visibility was fair at 10 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.7 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 0921 and ended at 0935. No sea turtles were observed during this transect. Transect 2. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with light and variable winds at 5 knots. Sea surface conditions were smooth. Underwater visibility was fair at 10 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.8 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 0936 and ended at 0948. No sea turtles were observed during this transect. During preconstruction transects conducted on September 16, 2009, a total of 3.20 kilometers of transects were conducted in the Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project project area. No sea turtles were sighted on the inshore or offshore construction site transects. Tables 1&6 and Figures 1-5 present cumulative sighting data in tabular and graphic format. Table 1. Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project, preconstruction sea turtle sighting data and sightings per unit effort for each transect. Transects conducted in September 2009 are shaded. Green turtles Green turtle sightings per Loggerheads Loggerhead sightings per Transect # Length Date sighted kilometer/transect sighted kilometer/transect 1 1.60 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 1.60 6/17/06 0 0.00 1 0.63 1 1.60 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 1.60 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.60 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 1.60 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.60 6/18/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 1.60 6/18/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.60 9/1/09 1 0.63 0 0.00 2 1.60 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 1.60 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 1.60 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project Transect 3. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 5-10 knots. Sea surface conditions were very light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1001 and ended at 1008. No sea turtles were observed during this transect. Transect 4. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 5-10 knots. Sea surface conditions were very light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1009 and ended at 1015. No sea turtles were observed during this transect. 4

Transect 5. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 5-10 knots. Sea surface conditions were very light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.7 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1028 and ended at 1042. No sea turtles were observed during this transect. Transect 6. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 5-10 knots. Sea surface conditions were very light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.6 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1043 and ended at 1055. Two juvenile green turtles were sighted during this transect. Details are provided in Tables 2&6. During preconstruction transects conducted for this project on September 16, 2009, a total of 4.29 kilometers of transects were conducted in the Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project project area. Two juvenile green turtles were sighted on Transect 6, and sightings per unit effort was calculated at 1.25 green turtles per kilometer transect. Tables 2&6 and Figures 1-4 and 7-8 present cumulative sighting data in tabular and graphic format. Table 2. Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project, preconstruction sea turtle sighting data and sightings per unit effort for each transect. Transects conducted in September 2009 are shaded. Green turtles Green turtle sightings per Loggerheads Loggerhead sightings per Transect # Length Date sighted kilometer/transect sighted kilometer/transect 3 0.43 6/17/08 0 0.00 1 2.33 4 0.66 6/17/08 1 1.53 0 0.00 5 1.60 6/17/08 1 0.63 0 0.00 6 1.60 6/17/08 2 1.25 0 0.00 3 0.43 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 4 0.66 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 5 1.60 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 6 1.60 9/16/08 2 1.25 0 0.00 3 0.43 4/24/09 0 0.00 1 2.34 4 0.66 4/24/09 0 0.00 1 1.53 5 1.60 4/24/09 1 0.62 0 0.00 6 1.60 4/24/09 1 0.62 0 0.00 3 0.43 6/18/09 0 0.00 1 2.34 4 0.66 6/18/09 0 0.00 1 1.53 5 1.60 6/18/09 3 1.87 0 0.00 6 1.60 6/18/09 1 0.62 0 0.00 3 0.43 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 4 0.66 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 5 1.60 9/1/09 4 2.50 0 0.00 6 1.60 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 3 0.43 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 4 0.66 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 5 1.60 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 6 1.60 9/16/09 2 1.25 0 0.00 5

Diamondhead Radnor Artificial Reef Point Survey Count Beginning with the April 2009 survey, an additional survey site was added. This area is located north of the Juno Pier and encompasses the Diamondhead Radnor Artificial Reef complex, constructed as mitigation for the first Jupiter Carlin and Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Projects. Due to the relatively small and discrete area covered, a transect survey would not be appropriate for this site, so a stationary point count method was employed. For this count, the vessel remained stationary, and two observers in the elevated tower scanned a 360 degree area around the vessel for a period of 15 minutes and all observations of sea turtles were recorded. During the point survey period on the September 16, 2009 sampling event, no turtles were observed in the vicinity of the artificial reef. Tables 3&6 and Figure 6 present cumulative sighting data in tabular and graphic format. Table 3. Diamondhead Radnor Artificial Reef, preconstruction sea turtle sighting data. Sightings observed in September 2009 are shaded. Date Vessel Position Species Life Stage Bearing/ Distance At/Below Surface 4/24/09 N26.91337 Caretta caretta Adult 300m SE At W80.05826 4/24/09 N26.91337 Caretta caretta Adult 200m E At W80.05826 6/18/09 No sightings 9/1/09 No sightings 9/16/09 No sightings Singer Island Erosion Control Project Transect 7. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with 10 mph southeast winds. Sea surface had a light chop with wind waves of 1-2 feet. Underwater visibility was very good at 20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 52 and ended at 1209. No sea turtles were sighted during this transect. Transect 8. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with 10 mph southeast winds. Sea surface had a light chop with wind waves of 1-2 feet. Underwater visibility was very good at 20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1226 and ended at 1242. No sea turtles were sighted during this transect. Transect 9. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with 10 mph southeast winds. Sea surface had a light chop with wind waves of 1-2 feet. Underwater visibility was very good at 20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1215 and ended at 1219. One green turtle was sighted on transect. Details are provided in Tables 4&6. Transect 10. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with 10 mph southeast winds. Sea surface had a light chop with wind waves of 1-2 feet. Underwater visibility was very good at 20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1220 and ended at 1224. No sea turtles were sighted during this transect. During preconstruction transects conducted for this project on September 16, 2009 a total of 3.6 kilometers of transects were conducted in the Singer Island Erosion Control Project project area and 3.6 kilometers of transects were conducted in the Singer Island Erosion Control Project downdrift area. One green turtle was sighted on Transect 9 for a sighting per unit effort of 0.56 green turtles per kilometer transect. No other sea 6

turtles were sighted on any of the other project or downdrift area transects. Tables 4&6 and Figures 1-4 and 10- present cumulative sighting data in tabular and graphic format. Table 4. Singer Island Erosion Control Project, preconstruction sea turtle sighting data and sightings per unit effort for each transect. Transects conducted in September 2009 are shaded. Green turtles Green turtle sightings per Loggerheads Loggerhead sightings per Transect # Length Date sighted kilometer/transect sighted kilometer/transect 7 2.27 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 2.27 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 0.34 6/17/08 N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 0.44 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 2.27 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 2.27 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 0.45 9/16/08 1 2.22 0 0.00 10 0.47 9/16/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 1.8 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 1.8 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 1.8 4/24/09 1 0.56 0 0.00 10 1.8 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 1.8 6/18/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 1.8 6/18/09 1 0.56 1 0.56 9 1.8 6/18/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 10 1.8 6/18/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 1.8 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 1.8 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 1.8 9/1/09 1 0.56 0 0.00 10 1.8 9/1/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 7 1.8 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 8 1.8 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 1.8 9/16/09 1 0.56 0 0.00 10 1.8 9/16/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 Control (John D. MacArthur Beach State Park) Transect, Run #1. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 10 knots. Sea surface conditions were light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15-20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 27.8 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 02 and ended at 20. One green turtle was sighted on transect. Details are provided in Tables 5&6. Transect, Run #2. The surface weather conditions were mostly sunny with southeast winds at 10 knots. Sea surface conditions were light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 28.2 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1302 and ended at 1321. One green turtle was sighted on transect. Details are provided in Tables 5&6. Transect 12, Run #1. The surface weather conditions were sunny with north winds at 10 knots. Sea surface conditions were light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15-20 feet. 7

Sea surface temperature was 27.9 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 21 and ended at 38. Two green turtles were sighted on transect. Details are provided in Tables 5&6. Transect 12, Run #2. The surface weather conditions were sunny with north winds at 10 knots. Sea surface conditions were light chop with wind waves of less than 2 feet. Underwater visibility was good at 15-20 feet. Sea surface temperature was 28.3 o C and conditions were deemed acceptable for survey. Survey started at 1323 and ended at 1345. No turtles were sighted on the transect. During preconstruction transects conducted on September 16, 2009, a total of 9.32 kilometers of transects were conducted in the control area. Two green turtles were sighted on Transect for a sighting per unit effort of 0.43 green turtles per kilometer transect. Two green turtles were sighted on Transect 12 for a sighting per unit effort of 0.43 green turtles per kilometer transect. Tables 5&6 and Figures 1-4, 9 present cumulative sighting data in tabular and graphic format. Table 5. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (Control), preconstruction sea turtle sighting data and sightings per unit effort for each transect. Transects conducted in September 2009 are shaded. Green turtles Green turtle sightings per Loggerheads Loggerhead sightings per Transect # Length Date sighted kilometer/transect sighted kilometer/transect 2.33 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 12 2.33 6/17/08 0 0.00 0 0.00 4.66 9/16/08 2 0.43 0 0.00 12 4.66 9/16/08 2 0.43 0 0.00 2.33 4/24/09 3 1.29 0 0.00 12 2.33 4/24/09 0 0.00 0 0.00 4.66 6/18/09 5 1.07 0 0.00 12 4.66 6/18/09 8 1.72 0 0.00 4.66 9/1/09 2.36 1 0.21 12 4.66 9/1/09 5 1.07 0 0.00 4.66 9/16/09 2 0.43 0 0.00 12 4.66 9/16/09 2 0.43 0 0.00 Table 6. Cumulative sea turtle sighting locations for all preconstruction transects conducted. Sightings from September 2009 are shaded. Transect # Date Species Life stage Location 2 6/17/08 Caretta caretta Adult N26.92795 W80.06565 3 6/17/08 Caretta caretta Subadult N26.89412 W80.05480 4 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Subadult N26.89488 W80.05391 5 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.84126 W80.04158 6 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.83718 W80.04014 Distance (m) from transect line At/Below Inshore/Offshore surface 0 N/A Below 10 Pier side Below 60 Ocean side At 0 N/A Below 5 I Below 8

6 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile Off Tran. 6/17/08 Caretta caretta Subadult Off Tran. 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Adult Off Tran. 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Adult Off Tran. 6/17/08 Chelonia mydas Adult 6 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 6 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 9 9/16/08 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 3 4/24/09 Caretta caretta Subadult 4 4/24/09 Caretta caretta Subadult 5 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 6 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 9 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile Off Tran 4/24/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile Art. Reef 4/24/09 Caretta caretta Adult Art. Reef 4/24/09 Caretta caretta Adult 5 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 5 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.83955 W80.04057 N26.80438 W80.02761 N26.82005 W80.03360 N26.86640 W80.04485 N26.86640 W80.04485 N26.84386 W80.04167 N26.85060 W80.04332 N26.82365 W80.03744 N26.82942 W80.03862 N26.82928 W80.03802 N26.83141 W80.03849 N26.79010 W80.03041 N26.89370 W80.05527 9 N26.89394 W80.05312 N26.84594 W80.04248 N26.83679 W80.03991 N26.78965 W80.03047 N26.81880 W80.03623 N26.81975 W80.03661 N26.82029 W80.03668 N26.89432 W80.05522 N26.91337 W80.05826 N26.91337 W80.05826 N26.84575 W80.04277 N26.83946 W80.04127 50 I At N/A N/A At N/A N/A At N/A N/A At N/A N/A At 9 I At 14 I At 6 I At 2 I At 9 I At 9 I At 1 I Below 6 Ocean Side Below 20 Pier Side At 3 I At 1 O Below 5 I At 5 O Below 5 O At 5 O Below N/A N/A At 300 SE N/A At 200 E N/A At 3 I At 1 O At

5 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 6 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 8 6/18/09 Caretta caretta Subadult 8 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Adult 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Subadult 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Adult 6/18/09 Caretta caretta Juvenile 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Adult 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 12 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile Off Tran 6/18/09 Caretta caretta Subadult Off Tran 6/18/09 Caretta caretta Subadult Off Tran 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile Off Tran 6/18/09 Chelonia mydas Adult N26.83644 W80.04045 N26.83760 W80.04010 N26.80539 W80.03191 N26.81223 W80.03349 N26.83299 W80.03886 N26.83083 W80.03839 N26.81979 W80.03655 N26.81704 W80.03569 N26.83470 W80.03964 N26.83382 W80.03851 N26.83260 W80.03824 N26.82966 W80.03765 N26.82721 W80.03694 N26.82620 W80.03659 N26.82074 W80.03587 N26.82938 W80.03782 N26.83347 W80.03868 N26.85443 W80.03672 N26.86656 W80.03999 N26.86700 W80.04035 N26.80860 W80.02985 1 N26.93434 W80.06807 Chelonia mydas Juvenile 5 9/1/09 N26.84856 W80.04346 5 N26.84684 W80.04302 5 N26.84587 W80.04277 10 4 O At 15 I At 15 I Below 10 O Below 10 I At 15 O Below 5 O Below 10 O Below 5 I Below 2 O At 2 I Below 0 On Line Below 3 I Below 4 O Below 5 O Below 3 O Below 3 O Below NA NA At NA NA At NA NA At NA NA Below 5 I Below 10 I Below 6 I Below 0 On Line At

5 9 N26.83840 W80.04088 N26.78776 W80.03054 10 O Below 2 I Below N26.83378 W80.03934 N26.83337 W80.03918 N26.83330 W80.03915 9/1/09 Caretta caretta Subadult N26.82457 W80.03739 N26.82833 W80.03839 N26.82841 W80.03841 N26.830 W80.03884 N26.83247 W80.03896 N26.83328 W80.03919 N26.83423 W80.03953 N26.83487 W80.03969 N26.83494 W80.03971 12 N26.83260 W80.03827 12 N26.83089 W80.03816 12 N26.83084 W80.03815 12 N26.83146 W80.03844 12 N26.83208 W80.03855 6 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.84386 W80.04167 6 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.85060 W80.04332 N26.79010 9 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile W80.03041 N26.82365 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile W80.03744 N26.82942 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile W80.03862 12 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.82928 W80.03802 5 O Below 8 O Below 0 On Line Below 3 I Below 1 I At 1 O Below 1 I Below 5 I Below 10 O Below 5 O Below 2 I Below 2 I Below 20 I At 8 I Below 8 I Below 10 I Below 3 I Below 10 I At 15 I At 1 I Below 7 I At 2 I At 10 I At

12 9/16/09 Chelonia mydas Juvenile N26.83141 W80.03849 10 I At Figure 1. Cumulative sea turtle sightings, by transect, for all preconstruction transects conducted (sea turtles sighted off transect and sighted at the artificial reef site are not included). 25 20 Loggerhead Green Sea Turtle Sightings 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 Transect Figure 2. Cumulative sea turtle sightings, by sampling event, for all preconstruction transects conducted. 25 20 Loggerhead Green Sea Turtle Sightings 15 10 5 0 6/17/08 9/16/08 4/24/09 6/18/09 9/1/09 9/16/09 Sampling Date 12

Figure 3. Cumulative sightings per kilometer/transect, by transect, for all preconstruction transects conducted (sea turtles sighted off transect and sighted at the artificial reef site are not included). 1.00 0.90 Loggerhead Sightings per KM/transect Green Sightings per KM/transect Sightings per KM/transect 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 Transect Figure 4. Cumulative sightings per kilometer/transect, by sampling date, for all preconstruction transects conducted. Sightings per KM/transect 1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 Loggerhead Sightings per KM/transect Green Sightings per KM/transect 6/17/08 9/16/08 4/24/09 6/18/09 9/1/09 9/16/09 Sampling Date 13

PL-2S Figure 5: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Jupiter Carlin Shoreline Protection Project Photo: 2008 R-014 R-015 R-016 R-017 DEP Monument T-018 Sightings Transect Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult 6/17/2008 Green Juvenile T-019 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet

T-022 Figure 6: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Diamondhead Radnor Artificial Reef Complex Photo: 2008 T-023 4/24/2009 4/24/2009 T-024 T-025 DEP Monument Transect Sightings Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult T-026 Green Juvenile 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet

Figure 7: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Juno Beach Fishing Pier Photo: 2008 R-030 / 6/17/2008 R-031 4/24/2009 6/17/2008 / / 4/24/2009 / 4/24/2009 DEP Monument T-032 Transect Sightings Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult Green Juvenile 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet

R-047 9/16/20099/16/2008 Figure 8: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Juno Beach Shoreline Protection Project downdrift area Photo: 2008 DEP Monument Transect Sightings Loggerhead Adult R-048 4/24/2009 / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult Green Juvenile 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet R-049 9/16/20099/16/2008 6/17/2008 R-050 6/17/2008 R-051 6/17/2008 4/24/2009

4/24/2009 R-052 R-053 / R-054 9/16/2008 9/16/2008 9/16/2008 R-055 Figure 9: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (control) Photo: 2008 DEP Monument Sightings Transect Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult Green Juvenile R-056 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet T-057 / 9/16/20099/16/2008 R-058 4/24/2009 4/24/2009 R-059 4/24/2009 6/17/2008 R-060

R-061 Figure 10: Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Singer Island Erosion Control Project Photo: 2008 R-062 DEP Monument Transect Sightings Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile Green Adult / Green Subadult Green Juvenile R-063 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet / R-064 / 6/17/2008 R-065 R-066

R-066 Figure : Cumulative summary of sea turtle sightings in the vicinity of the Singer Island Erosion Control Project downdrift area Photo: 2008 DEP Monument R-067 Sightings Transect Loggerhead Adult / Loggerhead Subadult Loggerhead Juvenile R-068 Green Adult / Green Subadult Green Juvenile 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Feet R-069 9/16/20099/16/2008 4/24/2009 R-070 R-071 R-072