We were recently awarded three grants from the Sea Turtle Grants Program (see below). The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded from proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Learn more at www.helpingseaturtles.org


Fuentes, Mariana (PI), & Ingels, Jeroen Omer Georgette (Co-PI). (May 2018–May 2019). Life on Loggerheads: an integrated epibiosis study to assess foraging behavior, reproductive success and habitats of Northern Gulf of Mexico loggerheads nesting at St. George Island. Total award $10,571.
 
Fuentes, Mariana (PI), & Montero, Natalie Alexandra (Co-PI). (May 2018–May 2019). Assessing different sea turtle nest protection measures against coyotes.  Total award $12,413.
 
 Fuentes, Mariana (PI), & Wildermann, Natalie Elizabeth (Co-PI). (May 2018–May 2019). Integrative assessment of a loggerhead foraging aggregation in Crystal River. Total award $12,826.
 

Check out our new manuscript on microplastic at sea turtle nesting grounds:

Microplastics can impact key habitats used by endangered species, such as marine turtles. They impact the environment by transporting toxicants and altering sediment properties affecting temperature and sedimentpermeability. Our study determined the exposure of the ten most important nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico Loggerhead Recovery Unit to microplastic. Sand samples were obtained at each nesting site during the 2017 nesting season and analyzed for abundance and characteristics of microplastic. Microplastic was found at all sites, with an average abundance of 61.08 ± 34.61 pieces/m2, and 59.9% located at the dunes, where turtles primarily nest. A gradual decrease in microplastics abundance was observed from the most western nesting ground to the east. The results from this study indicate that microplastic accumulation on nesting sites for the Northern Gulf of Mexico may be of great concern, and could negatively affect the incubating environment formarine turtles.

Reference:
Beckwith, V. K. and Fuentes M. M. P. B. (2018). Microplastic at nesting   grounds used by the northern Gulf of Mexico loggerhead recovery unit. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 131, 32-37

Valencia Beckwith just received an IDEA grant to continue her studies on sea turtles and microplastic.  CONGRATULATIONS!