Using Remote Sensing Tools to Address Conflicts between Humans and Sea Turtles in the Cayman Islands (2020-2021)

Caribbean islands such as the Cayman Islands are faced with the effects of climate change, sea level rise and periodic tropical storms. In these areas, sea turtles may also be affected by reductions in nest habitat associated with human development, along with unintentional consequences of human activities, such as the disorienting effects of light pollution on nesting females and newly hatched young.

This project team used satellite remote sensing, drone-based assessments as well as traditional sampling techniques to assess physical and biological aspects of the Cayman land-ocean interface and how they intersect with the biology and ecology of sea turtles. Team members engineered a new sensor solution for estimating ambient light pollution at three locations: Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon State Park, and Shackleford Banks on Cape Lookout National Seashore. The team secured permits and collected data from both drones and terrestrial rovers platforms during the night. Their work included securing the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab’s first night waiver from the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and permits to work in the Cape Lookout National Seashore National Park.

Timing

Summer 2020 – Spring 2021

Team Outputs

Team StoryMap

Light pollution sensor technology

This Team in the News

Ambient Light Threatens Endangered Sea Turtles in NC

Faculty Perspectives: David Johnston

 

Image: Sea Turtles, Cayman Islands, by J. Stephen Conn, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Sea Turtles.

Team Leaders

  • Brendan Godley, University of Exeter
  • David Johnston, Nicholas School of the Environment-Marine Science and Conservation

/graduate Team Members

  • Molly Bruce, Public Int & Public Svce Law-C
  • Corie Grewal, Master of Environmental Management, Coastal Environmental Management
  • Sage Riddick, Master of Environmental Management, Coastal Environmental Management

/undergraduate Team Members

  • Drew Flanagan, Statistical Science (BS)
  • Candice Sheehan, Environmental Sciences (BS)

/zcommunity Team Members

  • Gina Ebanks-Petrie, Department of Environment, Cayman Islands Government
  • Jeremy Olynik, Department of Environment, Cayman Islands Government