Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Page-Karjian, Annie

Abstract

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is facing global declines; however, the Florida stock is generally increasing. Various studies have identified threats to sea turtles, but there is a need to quantify population-level threats. I used external examination and blood analyses of leatherbacks nesting on northern Palm Beach County, Florida beaches to understand the impact(s) that physical injuries have on this population. Notable injuries were present on 118 of 167 (70.7%) turtles. Fisheries injuries were more prevalent than other anthropogenic injuries; however, there was a higher overall prevalence of natural injuries. There were no notable findings from my blood analyses. My results suggest that while natural injuries are more common than anthropogenic injuries in the nesting population of Florida leatherbacks, anthropogenic injuries are more likely to result in severe traumatic wounds. Future investigation of overlap in leatherback migratory routes and foraging grounds with various threats could further protect this species.

Extent

70 p

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2021.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00013743

Format

pdf

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