Investigators: Susan Piacenza, Sierra Landreth, Emma Roberto
Florida’s gulf fishing piers serve as artificial habitat for sea turtle populations inhabiting the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, sea turtle recreational bycatch at fishing piers has been increasing at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (NBFP) since 2016. In tandem with in-water stereo-video camera surveys, we are also conducting pier-based photo identification of sea turtles at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. We will use this data to establish estimates of occupancy, residency time, and eventually may use it to estimate survival for juvenile green sea turtles - the life stage and species most commonly observed at Navarre Pier. During a pilot study in summer 2021, we had 23 re-sightings, and 50 individual sea turtles observed over 64 days; thus 46% of turtles observed at the fishing pier have some degree of sustained occupancy. We are continuing this study through Spring 2022, and hopefully beyond. Our results can be used to understand patterns of sea turtle occupancy at fishing piers and provide scientific guidance to reduce bycatch at fishing piers along the Gulf Coast.
Florida’s gulf fishing piers serve as artificial habitat for sea turtle populations inhabiting the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, sea turtle recreational bycatch at fishing piers has been increasing at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (NBFP) since 2016. In tandem with in-water stereo-video camera surveys, we are also conducting pier-based photo identification of sea turtles at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. We will use this data to establish estimates of occupancy, residency time, and eventually may use it to estimate survival for juvenile green sea turtles - the life stage and species most commonly observed at Navarre Pier. During a pilot study in summer 2021, we had 23 re-sightings, and 50 individual sea turtles observed over 64 days; thus 46% of turtles observed at the fishing pier have some degree of sustained occupancy. We are continuing this study through Spring 2022, and hopefully beyond. Our results can be used to understand patterns of sea turtle occupancy at fishing piers and provide scientific guidance to reduce bycatch at fishing piers along the Gulf Coast.
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.