A marine biologist from Florida State University is advancing efforts to conserve sea turtles by pinpointing regions along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts that pose the greatest risk for vessel strikes. Professor Mariana Fuentes, an expert in Oceanography and Environmental Science, discovered that approximately one quarter of all stranded turtles in the Gulf and western Atlantic are victims of such incidents.
The insights gained from this study will significantly enhance conservation and management strategies for four protected sea turtle species: loggerhead, green, Kemp”s ridley, and leatherback turtles. “I am motivated by the chance to conduct research that directly influences conservation strategies and evidence-based policy for endangered species,” remarked Fuentes, who led the study. “By identifying areas where vessel strikes present a significant threat, this research directs targeted mitigation initiatives.”
The findings were published in the journal Biological Conservation in September. Analysis of data gathered between 2010 and 2022 revealed that green turtles in Florida and Texas, along with loggerhead turtles in Florida, are most frequently injured by vessels. The Kemp”s ridley turtle, recognized as the smallest sea turtle species, was primarily observed with vessel-strike injuries in Florida, although notable clusters of stranding were recorded in Virginia, Georgia, and Mississippi. Leatherback turtles, the largest of all sea turtles and known for their migratory behavior, were predominantly found stranded in Massachusetts due to vessel strikes.
This research is vital for guiding conservation efforts in these high-risk areas, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize locations for future studies. The protection of sea turtles is crucial not only for their survival but also for the health and functionality of marine ecosystems. “For instance, green turtles play a role in maintaining the balance of seagrass beds, which supports various marine life,” Fuentes explained. “Leatherbacks help regulate jellyfish populations, which, if left unchecked, can disrupt fish populations. Additionally, sea turtle nesting activities enrich coastal ecosystems, as unhatched eggs and shells provide essential nutrients for beach vegetation.”
The study revealed that nearly all turtles struck by vessels ultimately succumbed to their injuries, contradicting prior beliefs that many were already dead when struck. Allen Foley, a co-author of the study and research administrator for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), emphasized the significance of identifying and understanding factors contributing to sea turtle mortality related to human activities such as boating, commercial fishing, and pollution. “Dr. Fuentes brings valuable insights from her extensive experience with various sea turtle research initiatives,” Foley stated. “Vessel-strike injuries are the primary cause of death for Florida”s sea turtles, and I suspect similar trends exist in other regions. Human activities often put species at risk, and addressing these behaviors can greatly benefit conservation efforts.”
Alongside her vessel-strike research, Fuentes co-authored “A Global Sea Turtle Climate Vulnerability Assessment,” published in September in the journal Ecological Indicators. This study compiled data worldwide to evaluate the susceptibility of sea turtles to climate change impacts, revealing that they are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, temperature fluctuations, and ocean acidification. Like her vessel-strike study, the goal of this assessment is to support well-informed management strategies.
“It is essential to understand that the natural world is intricate and interconnected; the removal of any component could lead to extensive consequences,” Foley cautioned. “Sea turtles are integral to our ecosystems, and their decline due to human actions would be a significant loss.” Fuentes” research on vessel strikes was partially funded by the Florida Trustee Implementation Group as part of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment. For more information on Fuentes” research and work within the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science at FSU, visit eoas.fsu.edu.
