Coastal erosion not only affects the well-being of coastal communities but also exerts a significant influence on species, particularly those like sea turtles that depend on beaches for nesting. Having spent all my summers by the coast, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the changes along the shores. This personal connection fueled my commitment as a Scientist to delve into research on this crucial issue. My master's thesis focused on examining the impact of beach nourishment, a commonly employed mitigation strategy against coastal erosion, on the nesting habits of sea turtles on Bald Head Island, United States. Observing images depicting such environmental changes vividly emphasizes the profound narrative encapsulated within a single image. Don't you find it remarkable how much information one picture can convey?
Shout out to the dedicated scientists, researchers, and volunteers working tirelessly to create a better and safer world for endangered species, such as sea turtles. #coastalerosion #sealevelrise #climatechange
Here we can see the threat of #BeachErosion to sea turtles!
This nesting hawksbill was looking for a suitable location to lay her eggs but was unable to climb up the erosion cliff. As a result she ended up laying her eggs in a sub-optimal location very close to the high tide mark. A nest laid too close to the water puts the eggs in danger of flooding, which in turn impacts hatching success and population numbers.
This is a common occurrence for nesting hawksbills in the Seychelles, as climate change induced coastal erosion is one of the primary reasons for the disappearance of vital nesting locations.
Thankfully our biologist was on hand to relocate this nest to a safer location to give the hatchlings the best chance at survival. Relocation is done under permission from local authorities.
#BeachErosion #Seychelles
