Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9881-7974
Advisor
Dash, Padmanava
Committee Member
Ambinakudige, Shrinidhi
Committee Member
Sylvester, Charlene
Date of Degree
8-13-2024
Original embargo terms
Visible MSU Only 2 Years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only
Major
Geoscience (Environmental Geoscience)
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Geosciences
Abstract
The Caretta caretta, or Loggerhead sea turtle, is a protected species found across all temperate and subtropical oceans. Previous research has identified that the Caretta caretta has preferences for nesting sites based on beach width, beach slope, and vegetation coverage, which facilitated the development of a nesting site suitability index. In this thesis, these indices were integrated with standard coastal geomorphology metrics in the ESRI Suitability Modeler to pinpoint potential nesting locations for the C. caretta on various beach reaches. The results were then validated against observed nesting site data. The results of this study can inform critical decisions regarding beach use and maintenance as it pertains to sea turtle conservation. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of geospatial analysis and suitability models in understanding and safeguarding sea turtle nesting habitats.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Brooke Marlo, "The Loggerhead sea turtle nesting habitat suitability index validation and workflow modernization for habitat monitoring and coastal management best practices" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6227.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6227