Does fishing pier environmental footprint influence sea turtle occupancy and bycatch?

Abstract

• Incidental sea turtle hookings at fishing piers in northwest Florida are a prevalent issue. • The greatest number of C. mydas observations and bycatch have occurred at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. • Through continued study of these variables and other environmental factors, sea turtle usage of piers as habitats will be better understood. • The results of this study will also be used to inform sea turtle bycatch mitigation measures at fishing piers