Sea turtle nesting activity along Eglin Air Force Base on Cape San Blas and Santa Rosa Island, Florida from 1994 to 1997.

Abstract

Along EAFB on Cape San BIas, the only sea turtle species nest observed has been the loggerhead turtle. The first green turtle nest documented along the Florida panhandle coast was observed on EAFB property, however (D. Atencio, EAFB, pers. comm). Santa Rosa Island, located approximately 150 miles west of Cape San BIas supports a small but consistent, group of nesting green turtles (Fig. 2). Although erosion is not as severe along Santa Rosa Island as it is on Cape San BIas, and vehicular traffic is not permitted, sea turtles nesting on this barrier island must survive severe tropical storms, predation, and artificial lighting to be successful. Because this area supports a rare group of nesting green turtles and is disturbed by intense artificial lighting from Air Force missions and adjacent resort towns, continued monitoring is necessary. The sea turtle species that nest along this barrier island, and the human activities that disturb those sea turtles present unique circumstances for management ofthis area. Protection ofthe significant nesting populations of sea turtles on EAFB properties on Cape San BIas and Santa Rosa Island requires yearly monitoring of the nesting activity and the natural and human disturbances influencing the nesting females. The objectives ofthis study were to monitor sea turtle nesting along EAFB on Cape San BIas to determine number of nests and hatching success, assess disturbances, and determine proper management to ensure successful nesting and hatching.(56 page document