Grant: 20-004C
Project Title: ATV for Expansion of Use in Morning Nesting Surveys
Project Manager: Melissa Bernhard
Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $7,272.95
Completion Date: 2020-12-07
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 have increased by over 4,000 nests (more than 500%) in the past decade (2009-2019), resulting in an increased need for efficiency in survey efforts while we are simultaneously experiencing a reduction in program funding. This project will cover the cost of another ATV to incorporate into our morning sea turtle patrol on another increasingly busy nesting beach. The vehicle 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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