Speed Presentation 2024 Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting combined with NZMSS

Understanding and Predicting Sea Turtle Nesting Habitats Under Climate Change  (#451)

Aaarti Tiakarajah 1 , Kyle Zawada 1 , Jessica Boomer 1 , Maina Mbui 1
  1. Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia

Sea turtles are particularly susceptible to anthropogenic threats and climate change due to their slow maturation and high hatchling mortality rates. Their reliance on both terrestrial and marine environments, exposes them to multifaceted impacts of climate change. Loss of essential nesting habitats, to which sea turtles exhibit strong fidelity, is exacerbated by coastal developments and climate-induced sea level rise leading to "coastal squeeze," that limits nesting areas With only a small fraction of global coastal zones remaining unaffected by human activities, understanding sea turtle nesting patterns in the context of potential habitat changes is imperative for effective conservation. This study addresses the intricate interactions between sea turtle nesting behaviours, anthropogenic influences, and climate change. It aims to refine the spatial scale of habitat suitability models, and then forecasting suitability under various climate scenarios. By incorporating a diverse array of variables and considering climate forecasting, this research seeks to identify regions most susceptible to impacts, shed light on previously overlooked nesting grounds and provide recommendations for conservation efforts. This approach ultimately aims to safeguard the future of sea turtle nesting habitats in the face of persistent environmental and anthropogenic challenges.