i COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICES DIVISION PUBLICATION SERIES PR-16-01 COLLIER COUNTY SEA TURTLE PROTECTION PLAN ANNUAL REPORT – 2016 Principal Investigators Maura C. Kraus, Principal Environmental Specialist Mary K. Toro, Environmental Specialist Markus Hennig, Environmental Specialist Prepared by Parks and Recreation Department Naples, Florida January, 2017 ii BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Donna Fiala CHAIRMAN DISTRICT 1 Tim Nance VICE-CHAIRMAN DISTRICT 5 Tom Henning Penny Taylor Georgia A. Hiller, Esq COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 2 Leo E. Ochs Jr. COUNTY MANAGER PUBLIC SERVICES DEPRTMENT Steve Carnell DEPARTMENT HEAD Barry Williams PARKS AND RECREATION DIVISION DIRECTOR i Period of Investigation April 2016 through October 2016 In addition to fulltime staff, the following part-time staff members provided invaluable field assistance: Mary Nelson Jenna Flickinger Samantha Gibson Allison Rolfe The project on which this publication is based was financed by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Tax Fund for Category A: Beach Renourishment and Pass Maintenance Projects The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners. The mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement or recommendation for use by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners. For additional information email: MauraKraus@colliergov.net Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 ii ABSTRACT Collier County was responsible for the daily survey of 23.7 miles (38.1 km) of beach for sea turtle activities during the 2016 sea turtle season (May through October). The Collier County Parks and Recreation Division surveyed 16.9 miles (27.2 km) of beach including Barefoot, Vanderbilt, Park Shore, and Marco Island beaches. Staff documented 822 nests in 2016, an increase from the 698 nests in 2015. Under contract to Collier County, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida documented 268 nests on the 5.6 mile (9.0 km) City of Naples beach. Fifty-four nests were documented on the 1.2 mile (1.9 km) beach along Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. During the 2016 nesting season, 1.2% (14) of the documented nests disoriented. One hundred forty-seven (12.8%) of the 1144 were depredated, which is a slight decrease from the 116 (13.1%) in 2015. A total of 51,317 hatchlings were estimated to have reached the Gulf of Mexico. The number of successfully emerged hatchlings represents an increase compared to 43,513 hatchlings that reached the Gulf of Mexico in 2015. There were 26 recovered sea turtle strandings (dead or injured) in Collier County in 2016. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ii TABLE OF CONTENTS iii LIST OF FIGURES v LIST OF TABLES vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1 SECTION 2 SEA TURTLE MONITORING PROGRAM 4 2.1. STUDY AREA 4 2.1.1. Barefoot Beach 6 2.1.2. Vanderbilt Beach & Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park 7 2.1.3. Park Shore Beach 8 2.1.4. City of Naples Beach 9 2.1.5. City of Marco Island Beach 10 2.2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 12 2.2.1. Reconnaissance Surveys & Beach Zoning 12 2.2.2. Daily Monitoring 12 2.2.3. Nest Monitoring & Evaluation 17 2.2.4. Data Analysis 18 2.3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 19 iv TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Page 2.3.1. Emergences 19 2.3.2. Effects of Beach Renourishment 22 2.3.3. Historical Trends 23 2.3.4. Weekly Emergence Analysis 27 2.3.5. Clutch Depth 28 2.3.6. Hatching Evaluation 28 2.3.7. Nest Predation 31 2.3.8. Effects of Storm Events 32 SECTION 3 PUBLIC AWARENESS & BEACH LIGHTING PROGRAM 34 SECTION 4 SEA TURTLE STRANDING AND SALVAGE PROGRAM 37 SECTION 5 SUMMARY 40 SECTION 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 42 SECTION 7 REFERENCES 43 SECTION 8 APPENDIX 1: NESTS & FALSE CRAWLS BY DNR MONUMENT Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 v LIST OF FIGURES Page 2.1.1. Collier County Surveyed Beaches, 2016 2.2.2.1. Sea Turtle Nesting Form, 2016 14 2.2.2.2. Sea Turtle Nesting Area Sign 16 2.3.1.1. Sea Turtle Emergences in Collier County, 2016 20 2.3.2.1. Natural vs Renourished Beaches, 2016 22 2.3.3.1. Collier County Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 25 2.3.3.2. Barefoot Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 25 2.3.3.3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 25 2.3.3.4. Vanderbilt Beach Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 26 2.3.3.5. Park Shore Beach Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 26 2.3.3.6. City of Naples Beach Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 26 2.3.3.7. City of Marco Island Beach Annual Emergences, 2000–2016 27 2.3.4.1. Collier County Emergences per Week, 2010–2016 27 2.3.8.1. Nests Inundated and Washed Out Per Beach, 2016 33 2.3.8.2. Nests Inundated and Washed out Per Storm Event, 2016 33 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 5 vi 3.1. Disoriented Nests in Collier County, 2016 4.1. Collier County Monthly Sea Turtle Strandings, 2016 4.2. Collier County Sea Turtle Strandings, 1996-2016 36 38 38 LIST OF TABLES Page 2.1.1.1. Barefoot Beach Renourishment History 6 2.1.2.1. Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Renourishment History 7 2.1.3.1. Park Shore Beach Renourishment History 8 2.1.4.1. City of Naples Beach Renourishment History 9 2.1.5.1. City of Marco Island Beach Renourishment History 11 2.3.1.1. Emergences, 2016 19 2.3.3.1. Sea Turtle Nest and False Crawl Historical Trends, 2000–2016 24 2.3.5.1. Clutch Depths in Renourished Sand Types, 2016 28 2.3.6.1. Collier County Mean Clutch Size, 2016 28 2.3.6.2. Nest & Hatching Evaluations by Beach Unit, 2016 29 2.3.6.3 Mean Incubation Rates in Natural and Renourished Sand Types, 2016 30 2.3.6.4. Hatching and Emergence Success in Natural and Renourished Sand, 2016 31 2.3.7.1. Egg Depredation in Collier County, 2016 32 5.1. Summary of All Monitored Beaches, 2016 40 5.2. Summary of Natural Beaches VS Renourished Beach Areas, 2016 41 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ANOVA Analysis of Variance ATV All Terrain Vehicle BG Bonita Grande – Upland Sand Source BI Big Island – Upland Sand Source CCCL State Coastal Construction Control Line CITES CCPRD CROW Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Collier County Parks and Recreation Division Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife CSWF The Conservancy of Southwest Florida DNR Florida Department of Natural Resources (now called FWC) DNWSP Delnor Wiggins State Park ERJ E.R. Jahna – Upland Sand Source FDACS Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FWCC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission GPS Global Positioning System Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 viii HWL High Water Line IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources NAD North American Datum NERR National Estuarine Research Reserve NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOV Notice of Violation SM Stewart Mining (Immokolee) STSSN Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network TED Turtle Excluder Device USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 1 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Sea turtles have inhabited the earth for millions of years. They are believed to have evolved from marsh dwelling species that existed between the Upper Triassic and the Jurassic periods (190 –135 million years ago). Fossil records indicate an early transition from the marsh into the marine environment. By the Cretaceous period (65 million years ago) four families of sea turtles were distributed throughout the oceans of the world (Pritchard, 1979). Today marine turtles are limited to two families: Cheloniidae (six species) and Dermochelyidae (one species) (National Research Council, 1990). Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles that emerge from the sea and deposit their eggs on tropical and subtropical beaches around the world. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most abundant nesting sea turtle species in Collier County. Loggerheads, named for their disproportionately large head, emerge on Florida’s beaches from May through August to lay their eggs. Clutches, containing an average of 100 eggs, incubate for approximately two months before hatchlings, less than two inches in length, emerge and head to the water. Within approximately 30 - 35 years, loggerhead turtles reach sexual maturity and return to the beach to lay eggs every two to four years. It is estimated that only one hatchling in 1,000 will survive to repeat this cycle. All but one species of sea turtle [Australian flatback (Natator depressus)] is listed as endangered and/or threatened by one or more of the following agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Furthermore, the loggerhead sea turtle is classified by the International Union for the 2 Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources [IUCN (although without statutory authority)], as a ‘vulnerable’ species (Groombridge, 1982). Extensive exploitation by man for food, leather, decorative pieces, cosmetics and other uses, as well as incidental catch by commercial fisheries have drastically decreased populations of all remaining sea turtle species. Coastal development and natural erosion have significantly reduced the number of suitable nesting beaches. Developed beaches used by nesting sea turtles can become hazardous to emerging hatchlings. Human disturbances on nesting beaches include: human activity, artificial lighting, erosion induced by shoreline hardening with seawalls, rock revetment, beach renourishment, vehicular traffic on or near the beach, beach raking, pollution, shading of beaches by large buildings and exotic vegetation, beach furniture and recreational accessories, large holes left on the beach, as well as egg and hatchling predation associated with human activities (Carr and Ogren, 1960; Daniel and Smith, 1947; Dickerson and Nelson, 1989; Mann, 1978; Mortimer, 1987; Mortimer and Portier, 1989; Moulding and Nelson, 1988; National Research Council, 1990; Nelson, 1988; Nelson, 1991; Nelson and Dickerson, 1989; Nelson et al, 1987; Raymond, 1984b; Salmon and Wynekin, 1990; Schmeltz and Mezich, 1988; Witherington, 1990; Witherington, 1991; Witherington and Bjorndal, 1991). Sea turtles have encountered some or all of these problems on many of Florida’s beaches, including Collier County. As human activity and development on nesting beaches increases, a more complete understanding of the plight of the sea turtle must be developed so that remedial actions can be taken. Collier County is responsible for surveying 23.7 miles (38.1 km) of beach for sea turtle activities. The Sea Turtle Protection Program within the Collier County Parks and Recreation Division (CCPRD) monitored 16.9 miles (27.2 km) of shoreline on Barefoot, Vanderbilt, Park Shore, and Marco Island beaches. The remaining 5.6 miles (9.0 km) of beach in the City of Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 3 Naples is subcontracted to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida (CSWF). Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park survey 1.2 miles (1.9 km) of beach within the park boundary. The surveyed beaches not included in this report are Keewaydin Island (monitored by the CSWF), Cape Romano Complex (monitored by the CCPRD and Rookery Bay NERR), and Coconut and Sea Oat Islands (monitored by Rookery Bay NERR). The purpose of the Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Program is to protect nests and collect data on sea turtle nesting and hatching activities, in order to fulfill permit requirements for beach raking and beach renourishment. Protecting sea turtle nests also allows beachfront property owners to obtain permits for certain activities seaward of the State Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL). This report details the methods established by the CCPRD with updates based on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Sea Turtle Conservation Guidelines (FWC, 2007). The report includes an analysis of sea turtle emergences, effects of beach renourishment, historical trends, nesting and hatching, depredation, storm effects, strandings, beach lighting, and public awareness. Program research and management recommendations are also provided. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 4 SECTION 2 SEA TURTLE MONITORING PROGRAM 2.1. STUDY AREA Collier County, Florida is the southern terminus of the southwest barrier island chain that begins at Anclote Key in Pasco County, 175 miles (282 km) to the north. The Collier barrier island coastline extends 37 miles (60 km) from the Lee/Collier County line, southward to Cape Romano. The beaches comprise a wide variety of physiographic types including a coastal headland, barrier beach ridge, barrier islands, migrating over-wash ridges, and a coastal cape. Ten major barrier beach units are recognized in the County, separated by nine tidal passes. Five of the ten barrier beach units are surveyed daily (May 01–October 31) for sea turtle activities including Barefoot, Vanderbilt (including Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park), Park Shore, City of Naples, and City of Marco Island beaches (Figure 2.1.1.). Since 1990, beach renourishment activities have occurred in Collier County. The following sections outline the years (1990–2016), DNR monument location, and sand source (hydraulic, mechanical, or upland) for each renourishment event. Hydraulic sand is transported by pipe from an offshore sand source or from a pass, with seawater as a transport medium. Mechanical sand is excavated from a pass, stockpiled and placed onto the beach. Upland sand is trucked from an inland quarry source and spread onto the beach. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 5 Figure 2.1.1. Collier County Surveyed Beaches, 2016. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 6 2.1.1. Barefoot Beach Barefoot Beach is the northern-most beach unit in Collier County, which encompasses 3.1 miles (5.0 km) of barrier beach extending from the County line south to Wiggins Pass (DNR monument R-1 to R-16). The Barefoot Beach unit is surveyed for sea turtle activities to comply with the Wiggins Pass Inlet Management Plan and to assist in the permitting process for the maintenance of Wiggins Pass. Table 2.1.1.1. summarizes the renourishment history of Barefoot Beach since 1990. Table 2.1.1.1. Barefoot Beach Renourishment History. Year DNR Location Sand Source Cubic Yards Linear Feet of Beach 1990 R-13 to R-14 Hydraulic 33,460 1,000 1991 250’ North R-13 to 30’ North R-15 Hydraulic 34,010 2,264 1998 R-12.5 to R-13.5 Hydraulic 11,980 913 250’ North R-8 South 250’ 250’ North R-5.5 South 250’ Upland (ERJ) *Dune Only Upland (ERJ) n/a ca. 500 n/a ca. 500 2005 250’ South R-5 to 250’ South of R-8 Big Island *Dune Only n/a 3,000 2013 R-12 to R-15.5 Hydraulic 50,000 3,500 2002 2002 ERJ indicates an upland sand source known as E.R. Jahna. * Upland sand placed into dune only, this is not a beach renourishment . Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 7 2.1.2. Vanderbilt Beach / Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park The Vanderbilt Beach coastal barrier unit includes 4.7 miles (7.6 km) of beach from Wiggins Pass south to Clam Pass (DNR monument R-17 to R-41.5). The northern most mile of the Vanderbilt Beach unit, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (R-17 to R-22.5), is surveyed for sea turtle activities by park staff. The data from Delnor-Wiggins is included in this report. Vanderbilt Beach is surveyed for sea turtle activities to meet the permit requirements for beach restoration and beach raking. Table 2.1.2.1 summarizes the renourishment activity of Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park since 1990. Table 2.1.2.1. Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Renourishment History. Year DNR Location Sand Source Cubic Yards Linear Feet of Beach 1994 *R-18 to R-19 Hydraulic 35,250 1,000 1995 *R-19 to R-20 Hydraulic 46,580 1,000 1996 100’ North R-22.5 to R-29 R-29 to 50’ South R-30.5 R-40 to R-41 (North of Clam Pass) Hydraulic Upland Mechanical 322,800 3,000 4,500 7,490 1,588 1,000 1998 *R-19 to R-20 Hydraulic 19,550 1,000 2000 *R-18 South 850’ Hydraulic 16,960 850 Hydraulic Upland (ERJ) Upland (ERJ) Upland (ERJ) 50,614 2,400 22,138 6,500 2002 *R-18 to 400’ South R-20 500’ South of R-23 to R30 (Dune Protection) 150’ South R-39 415’ South (Dune Protection) 500’ South R-36 to 322’ South R-38 (Dune Protection) 655 265 4,445 1,822 R-22 to37 Hydraulic 178,442 14,900 2006 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 8 2007 *R-18 south to 19.5 Hydraulic 48,405 1,591 2012 R-26 to R-30 Upland 12,000 4,000 2013 R-39A to R-41 Mechanical 9,626 1,500 2013 R25A to 36.3 Upland 78,752 10,800 * Indicates an area within the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. ERJ is an upland sand source known as E.R Jahna. 2.1.3. Park Shore Beach The Park Shore coastal barrier unit extends 3.2 miles (5.1 km) south from Clam Pass to Doctors Pass (DNR monument R-41.5 to R-57). Clam Pass County Park extends from Clam Pass southward approximately 2,000ft (640 m) to the Naples Cay development (R-42 to R-44). Park Shore Beach is monitored for sea turtle nesting activities to comply with beach renourishment and beach raking permit requirements. Table 2.1.3.1 summarizes the renourishment history of Park Shore beach . Table 2.1.3.1. Park Shore Beach Renourishment History. Mechanical Cubic Yards 4,500 Linear Feet of Beach 2,889 Mechanical Hydraulic 6,000 90,700 1,788 3,589 Mechanical Mechanical 6,000 8,000 1,788 2,751 Mechanical Mechanical & Hydraulic Hydraulic 8,000 4,208 3,500 26,500 310 1,365 Upland (ERJ) 35,000 2,600 Upland (ERJ) 28,268 3,500 Year DNR Monument Sand Source 1995 Clam Pass to R-43.5 Clam Pass to R-42.5 350’ South R-50 to 350’ North R-54 Clam Pass to R-42.5 350’ North R-48 to 350’ South R-50 Clam Pass to 143’ North R-45 Clam Pass to 270’ North R-42 430’ South R-42 to 250’ South R-43.5 2000 R-50.5 to 100’ South R-53 2001 R-50.5 to R-54 1996 1997 1998 1999 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 9 2002 Clam Pass to 40’ South R-43 700’ South R-49 to 40’ South R-54 Hydraulic Upland (ERJ) 11,725 9,067 1,975 4,700 2006 R-45 to R-55 Hydraulic 140,336 10,543 2007 R-42 + 180 South to R-43 +500 Hydraulic 20,603 1,464 2011 R 45 to R 46 Upland (SM) 7,836 1,000 2013 R-42+180’ south to R-43A+225’ Mechanical 10,877 1,725 2016 R42 south to 43.5 Hydraulic 5,500 1,500 ERJ indicates an upland sand source known as E.R. Jahna. SM indicates and upland sand source knows as Stewart Mining. 2.1.4. City of Naples Beach The City of Naples beach unit encompasses approximately 5.6 miles (9.0 km) of shoreline from Doctors Pass south to Gordon Pass (DNR monument R-57 to R-89). The Conservancy of Southwest Florida monitors the City of Naples beach for sea turtle activities, contracted by Collier County, to meet the beach renourishment program permit requirements. Table 2.1.4.1. summarizes the renourishment history of the City of Naples beach. Table 2.1.4.1. City of Naples Beach Renourishment History. Sand Source Cubic Yards Linear Feet of Beach Hydraulic Upland/Hydraulic 759,150 55,000 18,253 2,438 1998 R-69.5 to R-72 R-75 to 400’ South R-76 Upland (BG) Upland (BG)/Hydraulic 8,820 6,696 2,438 1,213 1999/ 2000 500’ North R-63 to R-64 (Naples Beach Club) Doctors Pass (R-57) to R-58 Upland (BG) Upland (BG) 8,036 6,804 1,500 1,000 2000 R-88 to R-89 Upland (BI) 6,000 1,000 Year DNR Location 1996 Doctors Pass (R-57) to 350’ North R-78 R-69.5 to R-72 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 10 2002 Doctors Pass (R-57) to R-68 Upland (ERJ) 45,047 11,000 2006 R-58A to R-77A Hydraulic 345,307 18,935 2010 R-57 to R57 A +100 ft. Upland (IM) 3,000 1,000 2011 R-57 to R-58A Upland (IM) 22,393 2,000 2012 R-61 to R-63A Upland (SM) 12,000 2,500 R-57 to R-58A R-58 to R-72.1 R-57 to R-58+325 R-59+300 to R-63+300 R-67+300 to R-69+500 R-71+50 to R-73+300 R-74+400 to R-78+400 Hydraulic Upland (SM) 22,393 69,993 3,000 25,000 5,000 8,000 11,500 1,500 8,424 2013 2014 Upland (SM) 15,725 BG indicates an upland sand source known as Bonita Grande. BI indicates an upland sand source known as Big Island. ERJ indicates an upland sand source known as E.R. Jahna. SM indicates an upland sand source known as Stewart Mining (Immokalee) 2.1.5. City of Marco Island Beach The City of Marco Island coastal barrier unit encompasses 7.1 miles (11.4 km) of beach, from inside Big Marco Pass [Hideaway Beach (DNR monument H-16 to H-1)] south to Caxambas Pass (DNR monument R-131 to R-148). The City of Marco Island is a highly developed beach with high-rise condominiums and hotels. This beach has been monitored for sea turtle activities since 1990 to comply with the permit requirements for beach renourishment and raking. Table 2.1.5.1. summarizes the renourishment history for the City of Marco Island. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 11 Table 2.1.5.1. City of Marco Island Beach Renourishment History. Year DNR Monument Sand Source Cubic Yards Linear Feet of Beach 1990 *H-3 to H-7 R-136.5 to R-138.5 R-142.5 to R-148 Hydraulic Hydraulic Hydraulic 70,000 284,600 715,400 2,063 2,189 5,533 1997 *130’ South H-9 to 45’ South H-11 *370’ South H-1 to 131’ South H-3 R-145.5 to R-148 Upland (BG) Upland (BG) Upland (BG) 1,000 4,000 80,000 1,345 1,636 1,781 1998 *H-9 to H-11 *400’ South H-1 to H-2 Upland (BG) Upland (BG) 15,000 10,000 1,250 900 1999 *H-1 to H-3 R-148 South to Caxambas Pass Upland (BG) Upland (BG) 3,528 9,000 985 625 2000 *200’ North H-1 to H-3 Upland (BI) Hydraulic 3,600 2000 950 2001 *H-1 to H-4 *H-9 to H-13.5 Upland (ERJ) Hydraulic 15,000 24,078 1,500 2,300 2002 R-136 to R-136.5 *140’ South H-9 to 140’ North Upland (ERJ) Upland (ERJ) 148 359 300 280 2003 *200’ South H-1 to 40’ North H-4 *H-9 to H-11 Upland (ERJ) Upland (ERJ) 11,096 11,096 1,740 1,000 2005 H1 to H-9 Hydraulic 316,770 6,300 2007 R-144 to R-148 +549 Hydraulic 168,431 4,288 2010 H4 to H9 Hydraulic 130,000 2,500 2013 R-144 to R-148 H-12 to H-14 Hydraulic 104,000 25,000 4,730 1,000 * Indicates an area within Hideaway Beach were the H-monuments are numbered consecutively from southwest to northeast. BG indicates an upland sand source known as Bonita Grande. BI indicates an upland sand source known as Big Island. ERJ indicates an upland sand source known as E.R. Jahna Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 12 2.2. METHODS AND MATERIALS 2.2.1. Reconnaissance Surveys and Beach Zoning Pre-season reconnaissance surveys of the monitored beaches were conducted in April, 2016. The objective of the surveys was to develop daily monitoring strategies, note the condition of the beaches, zone the beaches for management purposes, and conduct cone penetrometer readings to determine if the beaches required tilling pre-season. Metal signs on 6’ metal posts were placed within the dune area in approximately 1,000 ft. increments from the Lee/Collier County line south to Marco Island at corresponding DNR survey markers. In addition, wooden stakes were installed 500 ft south of every DNR marker. Beaches were measured along the high tide line using a Rolatape measuring wheel. 2.2.2. Daily Monitoring Daily surveys for emergence activity were performed along the high water line (HWL) utilizing all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) equipped with low-pressure tires. Upon discovery of an emergence, staff visually determined if the emergence resulted in a nest or a false crawl (nonnesting emergence). A GPS reading was taken for each emergence location. Nests and false crawls were sequentially numbered and mapped on aerial photographs. Characteristics and measurements of the emergences were recorded on data sheets for evaluation. All nests were marked with stakes, flagging tape, and a sign to provide protection and facilitate evaluations. Four 36-inch (91 cm) long wooden stakes were placed in the corners of each disturbed area. Yellow ribbon with the word “caution” printed on it, was then placed around the stakes and a Sea Turtle Nest Sign (Figure 2.2.2.1.) was affixed to alert and direct Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 13 beach rakers and the public away from nests. In addition, the stakes were marked with their direction (SW, NW, SE, NE) to facilitate clutch location if stakes were lost during storms. Nests laid in areas known for high depredation, such as the undeveloped portions of Barefoot and Vanderbilt, beach were covered with a protective screen. Screening involved securing a four-foot (1.2 m) square wire mesh screen over the clutch with metal tent stakes. The 2 by 4 inch screen openings (5.1 by 10.2 cm) were large enough to allow the natural escape of hatchlings, but were small enough to prevent most mammalian depredation. Screened nests were observed on a daily basis for evidence of predation. If a predator disturbed the sand under the screen, the sand was replaced, the area flattened out, and the event recorded. If fire ants were observed, they were gently swept off the nest. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 14 Figure 2.2.2.1. Sea Turtle Nesting Form 2016 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 Nesting Hatchling GPS N. Data Form 2016 W. NEST Nesting Data Egg Chamber Data Data?. Species A. Hatched eggs Did You Verify? Map? Log? l. Emerged 2. Alive 3. Dead Loeatton: Estabushm?m; B. Uri?hatched eggs Renourishod? or Natural Beach Zone (please circle): A {dune} (berm) {mltw] Distance{?) from: MHW Vegetation! Structure Structure Type: Seam: No or Yes: Height :Sloped 01' Vertical Length Crawl over soarp: Yes or No Nest cover: Full sun Partial shade Total shade Relocated: Yes or No lfReloeated. Why: ScreenedlCaged: No or Yes Date: Investigator 4. Undeveloped 5? Dead embryo I3. Depredated: Eggs @3 LOOK. on the back. C. Pipped eggs 7. Dead 8. Alive Total Eggs Nest Material: Sand Shell Root Please note anomalies in hatchlings or tin?hatched eggs Renonrishment Dntn" Year ofRenom?ishment: Type of Sand: Upland Hydraulic Mechanical Eggs deposited in renourished sand: Yes or No Embryo Stages Undetermined Emergence Data Expected Date 80 Days Actual Incubation Date excavated Clutch Depth?n) Width Investigator Diaorientation Data Diaoriented Hatchlings: Date: Dead 13 Alive Source DEF form ?lled out? Yes or No Notes Crawl Diagram Draw soarpa and obstructed nesting attempts [?ll out form}. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan 2016 15 16 DEPREDATION FORM Please record EACH occurrence of predator interaction. This inductee root invasions and e223 destroyed by other nesting turtles Please you may record occurrence of depredation of hatehlings but only those hatchlings that are depredated within the nest. The hatchlings should be recorded as dead hatchlings on the nesting sheet in the Hatched eggs section (A.). Predator Digging Through or of Ants i Crahs of Eggs of Hatchlings ate or Tracks Under Screen lbcaoh 3m face 2.Upper oawty redated redated 3. Lower cavity 4. Throughout 613 GP Total IN UNDATION LOG Cause of Inunclation or Partial WASHED OUT LOG Nest Date Cause of Nest Being Washed Away Complete or Partial ACCRETION LOG Cause of Nest Affected accretion or Partial Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan 2016 17 Figure 2.2.2.2. Sea Turtle Nesting Area Sign. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 18 2.2.3. Nest Monitoring and Evaluation Daily monitoring for hatched nests began as the first nest approached the expected hatch date (approximately 60 days). All nests were observed for signs of hatching, such as an obvious depression in the sand or hatchling tracks around the nest. Each nest was excavated for evaluation approximately 72 hours (3 days) following signs of the first emergence, or in the case of unhatched nests, 70 days from deposition or 80 days if the nest was inundated from high surf, excessive rainfall or shading. Upon excavation, all contents of the egg cavity were removed by hand. The depth and width of the egg cavity was measured and recorded. Data from each nest evaluation was recorded on CCPRD Sea Turtle Nesting Forms. Empty eggshells accounted for live hatchlings that escaped from the nest and/or dead turtles, found within the nest. Unhatched eggs included undeveloped eggs, dead embryos, and eggs depredated prior to hatching. Pipped eggs refer to hatchlings (dead or alive) that puncture the eggshell but did not fully emerge from the shell. Unhatched eggs were opened and inspected to determine the stage of embryonic development at the time of death. If live hatchlings were found in the nest, they were either released immediately or transferred to a bucket of moist sand for night release, depending on the time of the day and the presence or absence of predatory birds in the area. Hatchling releases were conducted according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Sea Turtle Conservation Guidelines (FWC, 2007). Nests were also inspected for evidence of predation. If signs of predation were discovered, the information was recorded. The collection of predator data aids in quantifying and determining the extent of nest predation in Collier County. The data also helps to identify Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 19 ways to mitigate predation. Washed out nests and inundations were also recorded after storm events and extreme high tides. 2.2.4. Data Analysis Sea turtle emergence and hatchling data were compiled using the relational database Microsoft Access. Maps were produced using ArcGIS10.1 and Collier County Property Appraiser’s aerial photographs taken in 2016. Shoreline data and emergence locations were collected with a Garmin GPS 76 marine navigator. Graphs and plots were created using Microsoft Excel. Data was analyzed with personal computers utilizing Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. Data was analyzed at each study area for factors relating to both nest and hatching characteristics. Nesting factors included nests per emergences (nesting success), emergences per mile (e/mi.), and nest placement characteristics. Factors relating to hatching success included cavity depth, incubation duration, egg counts, inundation, and depredation. Linear regression analysis was used to search for any factors directly affecting hatching success. Plots were prepared showing comparisons between and within study areas. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 20 2.3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 2.3.1. Emergences Sea turtles emerged on Collier County beaches from May 3, 2016 through September 2, 2016. A total of 2,432 emergences (1144 nests and 1288 false crawls) occurred along the 23.7 miles (38.1 km) of the daily surveyed shoreline. A breakdown of emergence activity for each beach is listed in Table 2.3.1.1. Aerial maps showing emergence location by beach are available as an additional appendix separate from this report. A comparison of nests and false crawls for each beach segment is given in Figure 2.3.1.1. A breakdown of emergences per mile on each beach is illustrated in Table 2.3.1.1. Barefoot beach and Parkshore beach tied for the most sea turtle activity with an average of 171 emergences per mile. Marco Island beach received the least activity with an average of 38 emergences per mile. Table 2.3.1.1. Emergences, 2016. Barefoot Delnor Wiggins Vanderbilt Park Shore Naples Marco Total Total Nests 241 54 244 258 268 79 1144 Total False Crawls 289 103 180 289 234 193 1288 Total Emergences 530 157 424 547 502 272 2432 Nest / Emergence (%) 45.5 34.4 57.5 47.2 53.4 29.0 47.0 Beach Length (mi.) 3.1 1.2 3.5 3.2 5.6 7.1 23.7 Emergences / mi. 171 131 121 171 90 38 103 Nests / mi. 78 45 70 81 48 11 48 False Crawls / mi. 93 86 51 90 42 27 54 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 21 Figure 2.3.1.1. Sea Turtle Emergences in Collier County, 2016. 289 300 Number of Emergences 275 250 289 258 244 241 Nests 268 234 225 200 False Crawls 180 175 193 150 125 103 100 75 50 25 0 54 Barefoot Delnor Wiggins 79 Vanderbilt Park Shore Naples Marco Figure.2.3.1.1. shows some variation in total nests and false crawls between beaches. This variation is difficult to explain since nest-site selection of the female turtle is still poorly understood. Some important factors include, but are not limited to: beach compaction, artificial lighting, human activity, structures on the beach, and scarps. Above normal beach compaction can impede nest excavation contributing to the rejection of a nesting site, thus increasing the number of false crawls and aborted egg cavities on renourished beaches (Raymond, 1984a; Nelson, 1991). Witherington (1991) found that the “presence” of lights in beach areas “sharply reduce” the number of sea turtles that emerge to nest. Human activities on the beach can also contribute to the disruption of nest site selection by adult sea turtles (LeBuff, 1990; Kraus, 1992). Obstacles in the paths of emerging turtles may contribute to the failure of a nesting attempt. These obstacles include, but are not limited to: Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 22 scarps, beach furniture, seawalls, boardwalks, stairs, fences, pilings, groins, sand castles, sand pits, and boats stored on the beach. Abandoned nesting attempts (false crawls) are a common occurrence for loggerheads and have been recorded at all nesting beaches (Dodd, 1988). Raymond (1984b) reported that on natural beaches, 46% to 49% of emergences resulted in false crawls. The 1288 false crawls in Collier County, represents 53% of the total emergences. The reasons for the 2016 false crawl ratio may include: lighting violations, human activity, beach furniture, seawalls, compaction, dense roots, standing water on the beach and scarps. It is possible that a limited number of false crawls occur from the female’s instinctive preferences for a specific site. These are false crawls not provoked by human disturbance and interference; but by physical factors such as temperature, sand composition, and possibly other unknown characteristics. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 23 2.3.2. Effects of Beach Renourishment Figure 2.3.2.1. compares the 2016 nests and false crawls per mile on natural and renourished beach areas on the combined beaches of Barefoot, Vanderbilt (including DelnorWiggins Pass State Park), Park Shore, City of Naples, and City of Marco Island. Figure 2.3.2.1. Natural vs Renourished Beaches, 2016. Nests & False Crawls Per Mile Nests False Crawls 70 59.2 60 60.9 50.1 41 50 40 30 20 10 0 Natural Renourished Dodd (1998) reported that loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection might be influenced by “micro-habitat cues” that initiate the nesting process. Microhabitat cues may be significantly different on renourished beaches when compared to natural, non-renourished beaches, and these differences may influence nesting preferences and success. Collier County beaches are continually nourished and renourished therefore, continued research and data collection is imperative. Studying the historical nesting data from different sand types will ensure the best selection of sand to reduce negative impacts of future renourishments. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 24 2.3.3. Historical Trends Marco Island beach was first surveyed for sea turtle activities in 1990, followed by Barefoot in 1991, and Clam Pass Park (from Clam Pass south to Seagate beach access) in 1992. In 1994, the “Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Program” was developed to survey mainland beaches in response to area-wide beach renourishment. Consecutive years of consistent data collection will assist biologists in detecting local population trends of loggerhead sea turtles, and the local impacts of beach renourishment. Most loggerhead sea turtles do not nest every year. In the “Synopsis of the Biological Data on the Loggerhead Sea Turtle”, Dodd (1988) compiled studies reporting that 90% of loggerhead sea turtles nest on a 2 to 4 year cycle. This factor requires many years of consistent data collection before any trends can be accurately detected. Historical sea turtle emergences are presented in Table 2.3.3.1. and Figures 2.3.3.2. – 2.3.3.6. for all beaches. Figure 2.3.3.1. reflects the overall County beach totals. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 25 Table 2.3.3.1. Historical Trends of Sea Turtle Nests and False Crawls (FCs), 2001–2016. Beach Unit 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Barefoot Nests Barefoot FCs 104 84 62 28 88 66 84 73 72 67 56 55 40 33 75 85 59 50 87 90 71 38 172 209 121 136 189 113 260 160 241 289 Delnor Nests Delnor FCs 23 25 15 22 21 49 11 38 15 46 10 12 18 20 17 33 22 36 20 20 18 15 46 62 30 54 42 35 58 69 54 103 Vanderbilt Nests Vanderbilt FCs 125 118 90 131 159 125 90 45 61 91 78 81 55 69 82 64 62 65 111 88 93 107 212 146 151 194 172 163 192 227 244 180 Park Shore Nests Park Shore FCs 105 79 81 75 122 188 73 64 40 58 68 78 67 60 73 52 50 43 86 74 90 69 188 198 114 153 160 113 128 123 258 289 Naples Nests Naples FCs 52 49 31 49 59 52 61 39 31 55 30 40 42 43 50 38 50 42 72 35 67 51 148 153 92 82 164 136 125 66 268 234 Marco Nests Marco FCs 79 115 28 54 55 80 59 97 39 75 56 107 40 96 34 52 54 94 46 90 65 124 52 75 93 166 73 107 118 164 79 193 Total Nests Total FCs 488 470 307 359 504 560 378 356 258 392 298 373 262 321 331 324 297 330 422 397 404 401 818 843 601 785 800 667 881 809 1144 1288 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 26 Figure 2.3.3.1. Collier County Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. Number of Emergence 1400 Nests 1200 1288 False Crawls 881 1000 843 800 600 400 560 488 504 470 200 307 800 392 373 321 331 330 356 258 298 262 324 0 422 404 1144 809 818 378 359 667 601 785 401 397 297 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 2.3.3.2. Barefoot Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. Number of Emergences 350 Nests 300 False Crawls 289 260 250 209 189 200 136 150 100 50 241 104 88 62 84 28 0 66 84 73 72 67 85 56 55 40 75 33 90 59 121 113 87 50 160 172 71 38 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 2.3.3.3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. Number of Emergence 120 Nests 100 103 False Crawls 80 62 49 60 38 40 20 0 25 23 46 22 15 33 12 21 11 15 10 18 42 36 20 46 20 18 17 22 69 54 20 12 58 54 35 30 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 27 Figure 2.3.3.4. Vanderbilt Beach Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. Number of Emergences 300 Nests 250 False Crawls 227 212 200 125 150 90 118 50 131 194 172 159 90 100 244 91 125 81 69 61 45 111 107 82 62 64 65 88 78 55 146 151 163 192 180 93 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 2.3.3.5. Park Shore Beach Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. Number of Emergence 350 Nests 300 289 False Crawls 250 150 105 100 50 188 188 200 79 81 122 75 73 64 0 58 40 78 60 68 67 73 52 86 90 50 153 160 128 145 144 113 74 43 258 123 69 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Figure 2.3.3.6. City of Naples Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. 300 Number of Emergence Nests 268 False Crawls 250 234 200 164 153 150 125 148 92 100 52 49 59 61 55 50 49 0 31 52 39 31 40 30 43 42 50 38 50 42 72 67 82 35 51 136 66 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 28 Figure 2.3.3.7. City of Marco Island Annual Emergences, 2001 – 2016. 250 Number of Emergences Nests False Crawls 193 200 164 166 150 115 80 100 79 50 75 124 96 54 28 94 90 107 75 52 55 0 97 107 59 39 56 40 93 54 34 46 65 118 73 79 52 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2.3.4. Weekly Emergence Analysis Sea turtle weekly emergence (nest and false crawls) trends are depicted in Figure 2.3.4.1. for 2015 and 2016. There are typically two peaks of sea turtle emergences for each season. This season’s peaks occurred in the second and fourth week of June. Figure 2.3.4.1. Collier County Emergences per Week, 2014 –2016. Number of Emergences 350 300 2014 250 2015 200 2016 150 100 50 0 Week of: Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 29 2.3.5. Clutch Depth Measurements of the egg cavity were taken for each excavated nest when possible. Clutch depths were recorded from 725 of the 1,144 nests deposited. The clutch width was measured from the widest portion of the egg cavity and the clutch depth was measured from the sand surface to the firm bottom of the egg cavity. There was no significant difference found when the clutch depths were compared between renourished and non-renourished beaches (p=0.99; df = 1,717; F = 1.3E-04). Table 2.3.5.1. Clutch Depth in Renourished Sand Types, 2015. Natural Renourished Mean Clutch Depth (Inches) 19.9 19.9 Number of Nests 359 366 2.3.6. Hatching Evaluation In 2016, 1,144 nests were marked for evaluation. Of these nests, the CCPRD, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park staff evaluated 820. Two hundred thirty-six (20.6%) were lost due to storms during the 2016 season. Tidal flooding inundated 309 (27%) of nests. Tidal flooding and washed out nests combined accounted for 545 (47.6%) of all nests compared to 46.6% in 2015. The average number of eggs per nest (clutch size) was 97 (range = 21–163). Loggerhead sea turtles average 110 to 120 eggs per nest throughout their range, but the clutch size is highly variable (Ernst et al., 1994). Table 2.3.6.1. Collier County Mean Clutch Size, 2016. Mean Egg Count / Nest Barefoot Delnor Wiggins Pass Vanderbilt Park Shore Naples Marco 94.2 91.4 97.2 95.5 99.3 101.9 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 30 A total of 79,465 eggs were deposited into the evaluated nests and 51,317 hatchlings entered the Gulf of Mexico (Table 2.3.6.2.). The total number of hatchlings that entered the Gulf of Mexico includes 50,508 that emerged on their own and 809 that were found alive in the nest cavity. Table 2.3.6.2. Nest / Hatchling Evaluations by Beach Unit, 2016. Barefoot Delnor Wiggins Pass Vanderbilt Park Shore Naples Marco Total Nests 241 54 244 258 268 79 1,144 Lost Nests 81 10 36 61 41 7 236 Total Eggs 13,565 3,748 18,659 16,706 19,961 6,826 79,465 Emerged Hatchlings 5,499 1,494 13,242 13,250 13,118 3,905 50,508 Hatchlings Alive in Nest 306 9 59 93 290 52 809 Hatchlings Dead in Nest 329 133 77 509 415 189 1,652 Undeveloped Eggs 110 1,019 1,887 1,832 2,517 980 8,345 Dead Embryos 1,665 875 935 906 3,438 1,461 9,280 Predated Eggs 5,493 181 2,438 0 104 108 8,324 Pipped Live Eggs 15 1 1 1 12 15 45 Pipped Dead Eggs 148 36 18 104 225 106 637 Total Hatch Success Total Hatchling Emergence Success 45% 44% 72% 83% 69% 61% 67% 41% 40% 71% 79% 66% 57% 64% Total Unhatched eggs (25,983) were opened to identify fertility and embryonic development. Dead embryos (9,280) comprised 36% of the unhatched eggs, depredated eggs (8,324) made up 32%, and the remaining 32% were labeled as undeveloped (8,345) due to lack of evidence of Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 31 embryological development. The undeveloped eggs may be a result of infertility or early embryological death. Each dead embryo was carefully inspected and the developmental stage was determined based on the 30 stages described by Miller (1985). Stages 1 through 20 are difficult to distinguish and were recorded together and labeled as “less than stage 21”. Stages 21 through 30 are determined relatively easily with the naked eye and were recorded separately. Embryos too decomposed for identification were labeled as “undetermined”. The mean incubation rate for nests deposited in non-renourished areas was 59.2 days. This rate is the same rate, 59.2 days, experienced for nests deposited in renourished sands (hydraulic, mechanical, and upland). There was not a significant difference in the mean incubation rates between natural and renourished sands (p = 0.94; df = 1,628; F = 5.3E-03). There was also no significant difference in the mean incubation rate when comparing nests that were fully exposed to the sun and nests that were shaded by vegetation or buildings (p = 0.53; df = 1,628; F = 0.40) Table 2.3.6.3. Mean Incubation Rate in Natural and Renourished Sand Types, 2016. Natural Hydraulic Mechanical Upland Mean Incubation Rate (days) 59.2 61.6 58.5 59.0 Number of Nests 296 34 15 285 The incubation success of a nest was measured by its overall hatching success and emergence success. The hatching success was calculated as the number of hatched eggs including live hatchlings and dead hatchlings found in the nest divided by the total egg count. The emergence success was calculated as the number of naturally emerged hatchlings divided by Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 32 the total egg count. The mean emergence success was 47.0% and the mean hatching success was 44.9% for all beaches and sand types (Table 2.3.6.5.). The emergence success of nests found on natural, non-renourished beaches versus renourished beaches was significantly different (p = 4.04E-06; df =1, 1142; F = 21.45). When comparing the hatching successes on natural non-renourished beaches with those of renourished beaches, there was also a significant difference found (p = 7.84E-06; df =1, 1142; F = 20.16). Table 2.3.6.4. Hatching and Emergence Success in Natural and Renourished Sand, 2016. Natural Sand or Renourishment Type Natural Renourished Overall Mean Hatching Success 41.3% 52.8% 47.0% Mean Emergence Success 39.1% 50.8% 44.9% 2.3.7. Nest Predation Depredation by raccoons (Procyon lotor), fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), ghost crabs (Ocypode quadrata), feral cats (Felis catus), opossum (Didelphimorphia), roots, and nesting loggerheads (Caretta caretta) affected 12.8% of all nests (n=147). Most depredations occurred on Barefoot Beach, where 81 nests (33.6%) were depredated. The damage caused by predators to sea turtle eggs was significant. Of the 79,465 eggs deposited in 2016, 8,292 (10.4%) were lost to predators, which represents a significant increase from 3,839 (5.6%) in 2015. A total of 42 raccoons were removed from Barefoot Beach (April – June). Different methods of nest protection and increased trapping in specific areas will have to be implemented on Barefoot Beach during future nesting seasons. Table 2.3.7.1 provides a breakdown of egg predation during 2016. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 33 Table 2.3.7.1. Egg Depredation in Collier County, 2016. Predator(s) Number of Eggs Taken Percentage By Predator Raccoons 7,435 89.67 Raccoons and Ants 234 2.82 Raccoon and Cats 13 0.16 Raccoon and Opossum 300 3.62 Opossum 100 1.21 Ants 1 0.01 Roots 62 0.75 Ghost Crabs and Rodents 58 0.70 Loggerhead 7 0.08 Humans 78 0.94 Domestic Cats 1 0.01 Insects 3 0.03 Total 8,292 100 2.3.8. Effects of Storm Events Two major storms affected nests with inundations and wash outs. Storm effects from tropical storms Colin and Hermine were felt along Collier County beaches. The first incident occurred on June 5, 2016 when tropical storm Colin passed through the offshore waters on the way towards the panhandle of Florida. Tropical storm Hermine an offshore, central Gulf of Mexico storm which passed by August 31, 2016 and also continued North towards the panhandle of Florida. Tropical storm Colin washed out 68 nests and inundated 68 nests. Tropical storm Hermine washed out 223 nests and inundated 164. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 34 The following graphs show the impacts of the storms to turtle nests for each of the Collier County beaches (Figure 2.3.9.1), and inundations caused by each storm (Figure 2.3.9.2) Number of Nests Figure 2.3.8.1. Nests Inundated and Washed out Per Beach, 2016. 325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0 309 Inundated Washed Out \ Lost 236 81 84 60 46 18 10 Barefoot DelnorWiggins 65 61 36 Vanderbilt 36 41 Parkshore Naples 7 MarcoIsland Total Beaches Nests Figure 2.3.8.2. Nests Inundated and Washed out Per Storm Event, 2016. 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 223 Inundated Washed Out \ Lost 164 68 68 18 TS Colin TS Hermine Storm Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 4 High Tides 35 SECTION 3 PUBLIC AWARENESS AND BEACH LIGHTING Public education plays a vital role in conservation. Many beach goers are unaware of the problems sea turtles encounter. The CCPRD staff provides an important link to knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and natural history of the sea turtles inhabiting our area. In 2015, staff responded to the inquiries of approximately 5,496 people during morning surveys and over 800 people during educational programs and exhibits. Through public presentations, mail distributions and related local events, the CCPRD staff works to make sea turtle conservation a community challenge which brings to light the importance of our common natural environment. Our local beaches are an important habitat requirement for sea turtles and making homeowners and visitors aware of the possible impact of artificial lighting is also an important aspect of the public education program. Artificial lighting on nesting beaches, distant sources of illumination (“city glow”) and other sources of light pollution can interfere with the normal nesting behavior of sea turtles and cause hatchling orientation problems. Light pollution has been proven to discourage sea turtles from emerging out of the water to nest (Witherington, 1996). The negative effects of artificial lights on hatchling sea turtles are well documented (Danial and Smith, 1947; Dickerson and Nelson, 1989; Witherington, 1990). Artificial lighting interferes with a hatchling sea turtle’s ability to correctly orient, causing them to crawl towards sources of the light pollution (disorientations). Disorientations affect sea turtles by leaving them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion, and predation (Witherington, 1999). Hatchling loggerhead turtles appear to be more Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 36 susceptible to disorientation on wider beaches where nests are placed further from the vegetation, implying a protective benefit of the dune vegetation, by shading landward light sources. In accordance with the Collier County Land Development Code Sec. 3.04.00 “Protection of Endangered, Threatened or Listed Species”, CCPRD manages a beach lighting compliance program developed to minimize the damages caused by light pollution. The program is composed of two annual mail-outs prior to season, night lighting compliance inspections, violation notices, and code enforcement action. The first annual mail-out is a sea turtle information package sent to beachfront homeowners and establishments. The mail-out illustrates the importance of shielding or turning off lights during sea turtle nesting season and suggests inexpensive methods of reducing and minimizing beach lighting. It also reminds the residents to remove any obstacles to nesting and hatching sea turtles such as beach furniture or recreational accessories, and reminds them to refrain from trimming beachfront vegetation during and prior to season. The 2nd mail out is a post card/sticker and is sent a few days prior to May 1. Throughout sea turtle nesting season (May 01 – October 31), the CCPRD, Collier County Code Enforcement, City of Naples and Marco Island staff conduct monthly lighting compliance inspections. The monthly inspections are conducted as close to the new moon phase as possible. Light sources that create a visible shadow on the beach are considered a violation. When a violation is identified, efforts are made to work with the property managers and owners to correct the problem. Violations with no attempt to correct are sent to Collier County’s Code Enforcement Department for formal action. If the violation is not corrected when the Code Enforcement Inspector arrives, the establishment receives formal “Notice of Violation” (NOV). Additional violations may result in citations and court actions. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 37 By working with property owners, managers, and renters, the beach lighting program decreased the amount of hatchling sea turtles affected by light pollution. In 1996, ESD staff documented 42 disorientations (7% of the nests), since that time the amount of disorientations has decreased. In 2016, there were 14 disorientations (1.2 % of the nests). Figure 3.1. shows a yearly decrease in disorientations beginning one year after the initiation of the beach lighting program and continuing through 2016. Figure 3.1. Disoriented Nests in Collier County, 1996–2016. Disorientaions Per Year 60 50 40 30 20 10 42 (7%) 33 27 (7%) 27 (4.6%) (4.6%) 15 (2.7%) 2 (0.4%) 17 13 (3%) (4%) 30 (3.8%) 26 (8%) 8 (2.7%) 5 3 (0.4%)(1.9%) 13 16 15 (5%) (3.9%)(5%) 5 (1.5%) 9 5 (1.8%) (1.9%) 14 (1.2%) 12 (1.3%) 0 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 In addition to documenting lighting violations, Parks and Recreation staff also recorded objects left on the beach that could be an obstacle to nesting and hatchling sea turtles. The Collier County Land Development Code section 10.02.06 requires that any structure such as beach umbrellas and furniture not requiring a building permit, be removed nightly from the beach. Objects left on the beach over-night were documented and a NOV sticker adhered to the object to inform the owner of the need for furniture or equipment to be removed. Staff hopes to reduce this number by notifying people about the harm furniture and other equipment can cause on nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 38 SECTION 4 SEA TURTLE STRANDING AND SALVAGE PROGRAM Stranded sea turtles are those which wash ashore or are found floating, dead or alive in a weakened condition. Collier County has been actively involved in assisting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) with data collection on dead, sick or injured sea turtles since 1994. Prior to 1994, not all strandings in Collier County were reported and many sea turtles were disposed of without notification to staff or the FWC. The FWC is required to send all stranding data to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on a weekly basis. The NMFS uses this data to further our knowledge of sea turtle biology, species composition, distribution, seasonality, migratory patterns, habitat use, and sources of mortality. Sources of sea turtle mortality include, but are not limited to the following: incidental catch by commercial fisheries (trawling gear, gill nets, drift nets, long lines and crab traps), entanglement and ingestion of marine debris, boat strikes, poaching, injury from shark attack, red tide, disease, and natural causes. The cause of mortality is determined when possible and used to identify ways of aiding in population sustainability; although it is estimated that only 27% of the carcasses are detected and therefore reported (Murphy, T.M. and Sally Hopkins Murphy, 1989). The STSSN program is critical to the future conservation and recovery efforts of sea turtles. In 2016, 26 sea turtles were reported stranded along the Collier County coastline (Figure 4.2). Strandings occurred every month except January (Figure 4.1). Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 39 Figure 4.1. Collier County Monthly Sea Turtle Strandings, 2016 10 9 Strandings 2016 8 7 6 5 5 4 0 3 3 3 3 2 0 2 1 1 Aug Sept 1 2 2 2 Oct Nov Dec 0 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Month Figure 4.2. Collier County Sea Turtle Strandings, 1996-2016. 120 109 108 100 78 Strandings 80 60 40 51 50 34 30 22 28 31 34 47 40 40 39 20 0 Year Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 35 31 30 37 29 26 40 Strandings in 2016 included loggerheads (14), Kemp’s ridleys’ (5), and green sea turtles (7). Injuries and abnormalities of dead and live sea turtles ranged from boat and/or obvious propeller damage with visible markings or hull paint (8), shark bites (3), fishing line or crab trap entanglement (4) emaciated with much barnacle and algal growth (2), Fibropapilloma virus (2) and a persistent red tide occurring in the 10,000 Island’s (4) . The remaining turtles either had no obvious cause of death or were too decomposed to assess. In many cases it is not known if boat damage or shark bites were the cause of death or a post-mortem injury. Sea turtle strandings occurred throughout coastal Collier County both on beaches and floating in bays or canals. Beach strandings include Barefoot Beach (2), Vanderbilt Beach/ Del nor Wiggins (6), Park Shore/Clam Pass Park (2), City of Naples (5), Keewaydin Island (5), Cape Romano Complex and 10,000 Islands (5) and inshore Goodland (1). Increased public awareness of the reporting requirements may result in better coverage for the STSSN. Stranding and salvage personnel are not in the field on a daily basis outside of the nesting season and rely on the FWCC and the public for stranding locations. Stranded sea turtles outside the developed beaches may not be found or reported, some are lost at sea, and others buried by persons unfamiliar with the reporting procedures. The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department responded to 17 of the 26 sea turtle strandings. Rookery Bay NERR responded to four strandings, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida staff responded four strandings and USFWS responded to one stranded sea turtle. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 41 SECTION 5 SUMMARY Adult loggerhead sea turtle emergences were recorded on Collier County beaches from May 3 through September 2, 2016. A total of 1144 nests and 1288 false crawls were identified on Barefoot, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Vanderbilt, Park Shore, City of Naples, and City of Marco Island beaches. Weekly emergence data revealed two peaks of increased emergence activity in the second and the fourth weeks of June. The summary for each beach is given in Table 5.1. Table 5.1. Summary of Monitored Beaches, 2016. Barefoot Delnor Wiggins Pass Vanderbilt Park Shore Naples Marco Island Total Beach Length (miles) 3.1 1.2 3.5 3.2 5.6 7.1 23.7 Nests 241 54 244 258 268 79 1144 Nests / Mile 78 45 70 81 48 11 48 False Crawls 289 103 180 289 234 193 1288 False Crawls/ Mile 93 86 51 90 42 27 54 Mean Clutch Size 94.2 91.4 97.2 95.4 99.3 101.9 96.9 Nests Depredated 81 9 29 4 11 13 147 Nests Inundated 46 18 60 65 84 36 309 Nest Washed Out 81 10 36 61 41 7 236 Mean Incubation (days) 61.0 58.3 58.1 59.5 58.6 59.1 59.1 Disoriented Nests 0 0 1 3 4 6 14 Mean Hatching Success Mean Emergence Success 45% 44% 72% 83% 69% 61% 66.5% 41% 40% 71% 79% 66% 57% 63.6% Eggs Deposited 13,565 3,748 18,659 16,706 19,961 6,826 79,465 Hatchlings Emerged 5,499 1,494 13,242 13,250 13,118 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 3,905 50,508 42 In natural beach areas, an average of 40 nests per mile was recorded while 33 nests per mile were recorded on renourished beach areas (Table 5.2). There was no significant difference found when the clutch depths were compared between renourished and non-renourished beach areas. Table 5.2. Summary of Natural Beaches vs Renourished Beach Areas, 2016. Natural Beaches Renourished Beaches All Beaches Beach Length (mile) 13.8 9.9 23.7 Nests 582 562 1144 Nests Per Mile (mean) 42.2 56.8 48.3 False Crawls 711 578 1288 False Crawls Per Mile (mean) 51.5 58.4 54.3 Mean Clutch Depth (in) 19.9 19.9 19.9 Mean Incubation (days) 59.2 59.2 59.2 Mean Hatching Success 41.3% 52.8% 46.9% In 2016, 79,465 eggs were deposited and 8,292 (10.4%) were lost to predation. This represents a significant increase from 3,839 (5.6%) in 2015. Twenty-six sea turtle strandings were responded to in 2016, including 14 loggerheads, five Kemp’s ridleys and seven green sea turtles. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 43 SECTION 6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the following persons and organizations for their contributions: Mary and Richard Nelson, Jenna Flickinger, Samantha Gibson, Allison Rolfe, Beverly Ann Shipe, Scott Aldrich, Dan Flaherty, Marty and Debbie Roddy, Trevor and Rita Whitely, and the countless other volunteers and community service students for their services. We would also like to thank David Addison, Kathy Worley and interns Annie Causey, Shelby Hoover, Kevin Carafaelli and Baylee Wolfesberger of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida; Mark Nikoletti and staff of the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park; Robin Trindell, Meghan Koperski, Beth Brost and Rhonda Bailey, FWC; Jill Schmid, Sara Norris, Greg Curry, Rookery Bay NERR; and Roger Jacobsen, Bill Quinsey and the City of Naples Beach Patrol; Chadd Chustz, City of Marco Island; City of Marco Island’s and Collier County Sheriff Departments Marine Units; and the FWCC Marine Patrol. The CCPRD would also like to extend appreciation to the Tourist Development Council, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, the Coastal Advisory Committee, and all others we may have failed to mention. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 44 SECTION 7 REFERENCES Carr, A. and L. Ogren. 1960. The ecology and migrations of sea turtles, IV. The Green Turtle in the Caribbean Sea. America Museum Natural History Bulletin. 121:1-48. Daniel, R. and K. Smith. 1974. The sea-approach behavior of the neonate loggerhead turtle. Journal of Comparative Physiology and Psychology. 40:413-420. Davis, G. and M. Whiting. 1977. Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting in Everglades National Park, Florida, U.S.A. Herpetologica. 33:18-28. Dickerson, D. and D. Nelson. 1989. Beachfront lighting issues regarding sea turtles. Proceedings of Beach Preservation Technology. Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Tampa, Florida. Dodd, C. 1988. Synopsis of the Biological Data on the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Caretta caretta. US Fish & Wildlife Service, Biol Rep. 88:1-110. Erhart, L. 1979. Patterns of Sea Turtle Mortality on the East-central Florida Coast, 1977-1978. Florida Scientist, 42 (Supplement 1). pp 26. Erhart, L. and P. Raymond. 1983. The Effects of Beach Restoration on Marine Turtles Nesting in South Brevard County, Florida. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Jacksonville, Florida. Ernst, C., J. Lovich, and R. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press. pp 59-73. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2002. Sea Turtle Conservation Guidelines. Bureau of Protected Species Management. Tequesta, Florida. Gallagher, R., M. Hollinger, R. Ingle, and C. Futch. 1972. Marine Turtle Nesting on Hutchinson Island, Florida in 1971. Florida Department of Natural Resources, Special Scientific Report. 37:1-11. Groombridge, B., (Compiler). 1982. The IUCN Amphibia-Reptilia Red Data Book. Part 1. Testudines, Crocodylia, Rhynchocephalia. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 426 pp. Johnson, A. 1970. Biology of the Raccoon in Alabama. Auburn University Agriculture Station Bulletin. 402:1-148. Kraus, M. 1991. Marco Island Sea Turtle Monitoring. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-91-01. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 45 Kraus, M. 1992. Human Disturbances and Protection of Sea Turtles on Nesting Beaches in Collier County. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-B-93-02. Kraus, M., J. Staiger, and D. Suitor. 1993. Observations on Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting at Three Beaches in Collier County. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-B-93-02. Kraus, M., D. Suitor, and L. Douglass. 1995. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-95-01. Kraus, M, D. Suitor, and K. Maheuron. 1996. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-96-01. Kraus, M, D. Suitor, and K. Maheuron. 1997. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-97-01. Kraus, M., D. Suitor, and K. Maheuron. 1998. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-98-01. Kraus, M., D. Suitor, and K. Maheuron. 1999. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-99-01. Kraus, M., P. Allman, and J. Seitz. 2000. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-01-01. Kraus, M., J. Seitz, M. Toro, and S. Gonzalez. 2001. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-02-01. Kraus, M., J. Seitz, M. Toro, and S. Gonzalez. 2002. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-03-01. Kraus, M., J. Seitz, M. Toro, and S. Gonzalez. 2003. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR-SP-04-01. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 46 Kraus, M., J. Seitz, M. Toro, M. Hennig and S. Gonzalez. 2004 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR- SP 05-01. Kraus, M., M. Toro, M. Hennig and S. Gonzalez. 2005 Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan. Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. Collier County Environmental Services Division. Publication Series NR- SP 06-01. LeBuff, C. 1990. The Loggerhead Turtle in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Caretta Research, Inc. Sanibel Island, Florida. 216 pp. Mann, T. 1978. Impact of developed coastline or nesting and hatchling sea turtles in southeastern Florida. Florida Marine Resource Publication 33:53-55. Miller, J. 1985. Embryology of marine turtles. In C. Gans, F. Billet and P. Maderson (eds), Biology of the Reptilia, Vol 14. Academic Press, New York. Pp 269-328. Mortimer, J. 1987. Management and research needs: Research needed for the management of beach habitat. Proceedings of the Second Western Atlantic Turtle Symposium. US Department of Commerce, NOAA, NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Service, Panama City, Florida. Pp. 236-246. Moulding, J., and D. Nelson. 1988. Beach renourishment issues related to sea turtle nesting. Proceedings American Water Resources Association: Symposium on Coastal Water Resources. Wilmington, NC. Pp 87-93. Murphy, T.M. and S.R. Hopkins-Murphy. 1989. Sea Turtle and Shrimp Fishing Interactions: a summary and critique of relevant information. Center for Marine Conservation. Washington, D.C. 52 pp. National Research Council. 1990. Decline of the Sea Turtle: Causes and Prevention. National Academy Press. Washington, DC. 259 pp. Nelson, D. 1988. Life History and Environmental Requirements of Loggerhead Turtles. US Fish & Wildlife Service Biol Rep. 88:1-34. Nelson, D. 1991. Issues associated with beach renourishment and sea turtle nesting. In Proceedings Fourth Annual National Beach Preservation Technology Conference. Charleston, SC. Pp 227-294. Nelson, D. and D. Dickerson. 1989. Effects of beach renourishment on sea turtles. In Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Workshop of Sea Turtle Conservation. Jekyll Island, GA. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-232. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016 47 Nelson, D., K. Mauck, and J. Fletemeyer. 1987. Physical Effects of Beach Nourishment on Sea Turtle Nesting. Delray Beach, Florida. Technical Report EL-87-15. Pritchard, P. 1979. Encyclopedia of Turtles. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune, New York. 895 pp. Raymond, P. 1984. The effects of beach restoration on marine turtles nesting in south Brevard County, Florida. University of Central Florida MS Thesis. Orlando, Florida. 121 Pp. Ryder, J. 1997. Sea Turtle Monitoring Report, 1997. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Unpublished report. Naples, FL. Salmon, M., and J. Wynekin. 1990. Do swimming loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) use light cues for offshore orientation? Marine Behavior and physiology. 17:233-246. Schmeltz, G., and R. Mezich. 1988. A preliminary investigation of the potential impact of Australian pines on the nesting activities of the loggerhead turtle. In Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle Conservation and Biology. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-214. pp 63-66. Williams-Walls, N., O’Hara J., Gallagher R., Worth D., Peery B. and J. Wilcox. 1983. Spatial and temporal trends of sea turtle nesting on Hutchinson Island, Florida, 1971-1979. Bulletin of Marine Science. 33:55-66. Witherington, B. 1990. Photo pollution on sea turtle nesting beaches: problems and next best solutions. In Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC. Witherington, B. 1991. Orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles at sea off artificially lighted and dark beaches. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 149:1-11. Witherington, B. 1999. Reducing Threats to Nesting Habitat. In Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles. Eckert, K., K. Bjorndal, F. AbreuGrobois, M. Donnelly (Editors). IUCN/SSc Marine Turtle Specialist Group Publication No. 4, 1999. Witherington, B. and K. Bjorndal. 1991. Influences of artificial lighting on the seaward orientation of hatchling loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. Biological Conservation. 55:139-149. Witherington, B. and R. Martin. 1996. Understanding, Assessing and Resolving Light-Pollution Problems on Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches. FMRI Technial Report. St. Petersburg, Florida. Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Plan – 2016