Sea Turtle Research Program Summary Report
Abstract
The USACE Sea Turtle Research Program (STRP) was conducted to minimize the risk to sea turtle populations in channels along the southeast Atlantic region of the United States from hopper-dredging activities. Relative abundance studies determined indices of sea turtle abundance at six harbor entrance channels maintained by hopper dredges; (a) Canaveral, FL, (b) Fernandina/Kings Bay, FL, (c) Brunswick, GA, (d) Savannah, GA, (e) Charleston, SC, and (f) Morehead City, NC. Behavioral studies monitored movement of sea turtles over time and distance with telemetry techniques. Acoustic-detection studies evaluated acoustic techniques for faster sea turtle surveys. Bioacoustic studies determined acoustic thresholds and auditory behavior of sea turtles and manatees. Acoustic-dispersal studies evaluated a technique for dispersing sea turtles. Dredging equipment studies developed a rigid deflector for the California-style hopper dredge draghead. Prototype field tests demonstrated that the deflector was effective in deflecting model (mock) sea turtles with no adverse impact on dredge production. Effectiveness in reducing entrainment of live sea turtles was confirmed during actual production dredging operations in Canaveral entrance channel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA332588