Sea Turtle Stranding Patterns in New York (2017-2020)

Abstract

In this observational study, we examined spatiotemporal patterns of the sea turtle taxa, and how they are affected by human interactions. We isolated the data to only 4 species of concern in the New York area from the years 2017 to 2020. The four species of concern are Leatherback (D. Coriacea), Loggerhead (C. Caretta), Kemp’s ridley (L. Kempii), and Atlantic green sea turtles (C. Mydas). We utilized data provided by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) to plot stranding locations of Google Earth, and graph the trends. It was determined that there is a significant spike in sea turtle strandings during the summer months (July & August) and the winter months (November & December). We used resources from NOAA to determine that the migratory patterns of the sea turtles are causing the strandings as global warming progressively makes the water warmer in the winter months as the year’s progress. Human interaction only comprises (24.6%) of the stranding cause and over half of the human interaction caused strandings are due to vessel strikes. Furthermore, we will use this data to research stranding patterns on other marine mammals, partner with organizations to raise awareness and prevent strandings as the climate changes, and conserve these vulnerable (Leatherback), endangered (Loggerhead & Green), and critically endangered (Kemp’s Ridley) sea turtles.