Grant: 25-034C
Project Title: ATVs for Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program Nesting Surveys
Project Manager: Rachel Warren
Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $18,438.00
Completion Date:
Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) monitors sea turtle activity each year from April 15th - October 31st on approximately 56 km of coastline comprised of five separate keys. Local nest numbers been on the rise with over 10,000 crawls recorded the past two years straight, resulting in an increased need for efficiency in survey efforts while we are simultaneously experiencing a reduction in program funding. Our primary source of program funding is through local municipalities associated with beach nourishment projects. We obtained one new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through the Sea Turtle Grants Program in 2019 and 2020, and used them for morning surveys on different islands throughout the nesting season. During the 2024 season, four of the vehicles were subjected to the extensive storm surge created by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which both impacted the area within two weeks of each other. All four ATVs were deemed total losses, and will need to be replaced prior to the start of the 2025 season. This project will cover the cost of two ATVs to incorporate into our morning sea turtle patrol on another increasingly busy nesting beach. The vehicles will be utilized by the STCRP during regular nesting surveys so that we can continue to collect data on species, crawl type, crawl locations, and obstructions encountered in a more efficient and effective manner. ATVs allow us to traverse long distances in shorter periods of time. All of the nests on our beaches are marked with 2-6 stakes, and we also have significant predator issues, which can require carrying cages and/or screens to apply to nests in addition to the stakes. As a result of the increasing nest numbers, ATVs are an increasingly integral component in the ability of the STCRP to continue its successful conservation efforts in a timely manner. The use of ATVs increases and strengthens our ability to conserve and protect sea turtles and their habitat in Sarasota County.
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