Beach dynamics, beachfront development, and climate change: Interactions that impact sea turtle nesting beaches

Climate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more
storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs
were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at
embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality,
and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time
embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher
rates of mortality compared to green turtles at temperatures above 34°C. Only loggerhead
nests were exposed to inundation, but embryonic mortality did not differ from noninundated
nests. Beach profiles across the nesting season were also determined. A major
storm altered the beach more in areas of coastal development; however, this was
impacted by a nourishment project and the presence of a structured inlet. Future management strategies may need to protect sea turtle nests from extended periods at
elevated temperatures.