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Impacts of Artificial Lighting on the Survival of Sea Turtles

Michael Slattery delves into how artificial lighting affects sea turtle survival. With all six species nesting in North America endangered or threatened, understanding how light pollution disrupts nesting, influences hatchling success, and compounds human activities is crucial. Discover the implications of coastal infrastructure, the economic value of beaches, and potential solutions to reduce negative impacts and enhance sea turtle conservation efforts.

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Impacts of Artificial Lighting on the Survival of Sea Turtles

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  1. Impacts of Artificial Lighting on the Survival of Sea Turtles Michael Slattery

  2. Why should it matter? • All 6 species of sea turtle that nest in North America are either Endangered or Threatened.

  3. Nesting • Generally they nest every 1-3 years • Females always return to the beach from which they hatched • They may lay multiple clutches. • Hatch after 6-13 weeks of incubation

  4. Nest survival • Where they get deposited • Predation • Disease

  5. Hatching success • 80% of the eggs hatch • Upon emergence they’ll orient themselves to the brightest light field. • Only 1 in 1000 hatchlings make it to adulthood and reproduce

  6. Human activities can compound the problem • 53% of the US. Population lives within 60 miles of the Coast. • This requires significant infrastructure. • The beaches are very economically valuable to the US.

  7. Several possible outcomes • Depends on the magnitude of brightness • Pick the wrong way • Sunrise • Swimming pools • Cars • Domestic animals • Natural predators

  8. What do you think? • Low natural success • Human impact • Redirect lights • Lower intensities • Something should be done

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