effects of beach renourishment on the nesting behavior and hatching success of the loggerhead sea turtle on Jupiter Island, Florida: A seven year study

Author

• Mary Julie Steinitz

Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Salmon, Michael

Abstract

Jupiter Island is a barrier Island on the central East Coast of Florida whose beaches are subject to severe erosion. At intervals of several years, lost sand is replaced by the addition of sand ("renourishment") from other locations. In this study, I determined the effect of sand replacement on sea turtle nesting activity, and on the survival of nests placed on renourished and an adjacent natural beach. Renourishment caused a reduction in nesting activity by the turtles, which lasted about two years. Thereafter, turtle nesting on renourished and control beaches was similar. There were no differences in nest survival between the two sites. Renourishment prevents the loss of beach and shoreline property, but is not necessarily beneficial to sea turtles.

Extent

97 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1996.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Recommended Citation

Steinitz, Mary Julie, "effects of beach renourishment on the nesting behavior and hatching success of the loggerhead sea turtle on Jupiter Island, Florida: A seven year study" (1996). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1990 - 1999. 910.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_4/910

Identifier

FADT15292

Format

pdf