Marina Observation of Sea Turtles

The Marina Observation of Sea Turtles (MOST) project works to establish a library of photographically catalogued individual green sea turtles. The data on number, status, and injury status of the Intracoastal Waterway green sea turtle population inshore in St. Augustine are non-existent. It has long been assumed there were not enough turtles to justify inshore studies in this area.

However, through the first 18 months of this project (June 2020 - December 2021), research has determined that is not the case. Students and faculty have surveyed the perimeters of two marinas - the Conch House Marina and the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor - weekly and photographed all green sea turtles observed feeding on the docks. Through computer matching programs, a database of individual sea turtles has been created, which tracks how many times the same individual turtle has been seen. Tracked information includes whether they move between the two marinas, the duration they are seen at the marinas, as well as partnering with local sea turtle hospitals to potentially track patients both pre- and post-residence at the hospitals. Our project is helping to gather sorely lacking data on an endangered species. Our students have been able to present these findings at local, regional, and international scientific conferences.

Gifts made in support of marina research will be used primarily to purchase upgraded cameras. Outdated cameras hinder the goal of the research, which is very digital in nature. New cameras would allow for high-quality photographs for the catalogue of individual green sea turtle.

Remaining funds go to supplement the cost of sending students to future science conferences. Although the department and undergraduate research funds contribute to defray the conference costs, it only covers a portion of the cost, which leaves the conference inaccessible to some students. Conferences are important for undergraduates because they provide valuable professional experience, networking with peers, and helps them prepare for graduate school or their career. Plus, it's a great way to spread awareness about Flagler College as a whole.