The overarching goal of this project is to evaluate the FWS and State of Florida condition that requires beach tilling (to a depth of 3 feet) three years post-beach nourishment (and restoration) projects because of the perceived threat of sand compaction to nesting sea turtles and incubating sea turtle clutches. The FWS mandates this requirement throughout all southeastern states and FWC mandates it throughout Florida. This requirement, based on anecdotal data along Atlantic Florida beaches, guides our intent to target northern Gulf of Mexico beaches, to include Northwest Florida initially. At the request of the FWS, we propose to investigate if removal of this requirement will be detrimental, maintain or improve current levels of [...]
Summary
The overarching goal of this project is to evaluate the FWS and State of Florida condition that requires beach tilling (to a depth of 3 feet) three years post-beach nourishment (and restoration) projects because of the perceived threat of sand compaction to nesting sea turtles and incubating sea turtle clutches. The FWS mandates this requirement throughout all southeastern states and FWC mandates it throughout Florida. This requirement, based on anecdotal data along Atlantic Florida beaches, guides our intent to target northern Gulf of Mexico beaches, to include Northwest Florida initially. At the request of the FWS, we propose to investigate if removal of this requirement will be detrimental, maintain or improve current levels of sea turtle reproductive output, including sex ratio, hatching success and nest abundance, and will improve shorebird abundance and distribution for several listed and shorebird species of concern. Study results will inform regulatory requirements on federally authorized nourished projects immediately; and later in time with FDEP and FWC.