Investigators: Susan Piacenza, Kristi Dixon, Jackson Reimer, Morgan DuBois, Chris Noren, Emma Roberto, Tabitha Siegfried, Alex Vidal
Sea turtles are higher vertebrates with complex life histories, yet little research has been directed at their behavior. As some sea turtles populations are increasing we are seeing increasing observations that are noted as novel or unusual, such as intraspecific, mutualistic interactions, and feeding behaviors, however there is little baseline information from in-water observations. We are conducting behavioral analysis of sea turtles at artificial reefs off the Florida panhandles. We are using recordings from existing stereo-video camera surveys, and linking behavioral observations to body size. We are examining using the minimum approach distance as a quantitative measure to evaluate behavioral differences across species and body size. We are also evaluating differences in behavior across sites and seasonally. In all, this information will document behavioral types of different species and of different age classes, and how sea turtles utilize artificial reefs as habitat.
Sea turtles are higher vertebrates with complex life histories, yet little research has been directed at their behavior. As some sea turtles populations are increasing we are seeing increasing observations that are noted as novel or unusual, such as intraspecific, mutualistic interactions, and feeding behaviors, however there is little baseline information from in-water observations. We are conducting behavioral analysis of sea turtles at artificial reefs off the Florida panhandles. We are using recordings from existing stereo-video camera surveys, and linking behavioral observations to body size. We are examining using the minimum approach distance as a quantitative measure to evaluate behavioral differences across species and body size. We are also evaluating differences in behavior across sites and seasonally. In all, this information will document behavioral types of different species and of different age classes, and how sea turtles utilize artificial reefs as habitat.
All sea turtle species in US waters are on the US Endangered Species List. Since the in-water research conducted by the Piacenza QMCE Lab on endangered species is remote and encounters with animals are less than 5 minutes, we do not require scientific research permits from federal or state agencies. We have consulted with the relevant state and federal agencies to ascertain if scientific research permits are required. If you encounter sea turtles or other endangered marine species in the wild, do not approach them or follow them, as this could result in unintentional harm. Please see the NOAA webpage Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines for best practices.