Summer 2001
The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge established by an act of Congress in 1990, is a twenty and one half mile stretch of beach, on the Southeast coast of Florida. This refuge hosts the largest concentration of nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles in the United States. It is the second most important nesting site in the world for loggerhead turtles. The Refuge protects animal species by preserving the coastal habitat on which they depend; and is also a place for public recreation and education. The Refuge, named for the late Dr. Archie Carr, honors his lifetime commitment to conservation and research.Refuge Reports: Land Acquisition
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service would like to acquire the undeveloped portion of the Aquarina beachfront property, which is located approximately 5 miles north of the Sebastian Inlet. There are currently 1,000 feet available to the north of the restaurant and 540 feet to the south. It is estimated that this purchase would require $2.5 million in funding. To date, the federal government has only appropriated $1 million in the current budget for the Archie Carr NWR. Several organizations and numerous private citizens have been requesting our congressional representatives to increase the available funds if at all possible. Other possible sources of funding are also being explored. This property is considered prime sea turtle nesting habitat and accounts for approximately 1,000 nests a year.Turtle Talk: Update on Nesting
With loggerhead nesting just about finished for this season, a drop of about 25% in the number of nests has been observed in the Refuge. That makes the number of loggerhead nests the second lowest since 1990. However, this need not necessarily be a cause for alarm. Dr. Ehrhart considers it as normal variation, and attributes it to a bad year. Dr. Witherington further states that "nesting is not an absolute link to population. The Variation is not in population, but in the turtles decisions to nest." As expected, the number of Green sea turtle nests is very low, especially when compared to the record numbers from last year. The major population of GREEN turtles nest in even numbered years and only a small portion nest in the odd years.The good news is that Leatherback nesting is continuing to go up with another record year in 2001.
Lighting & Its Effect on Hatchlings
Lights shining onto the beach, both from stationary locations as well as transitory (e.g. flashlights), can disorient hatchlings and prevent their reaching the ocean. Hatchlings are attracted to lights and this can lead them to their death. A large number of disoriented nests have been found in the northern part of Brevard County, where the elevated level of renourished beaches has allowed additional lighting to shine onto the beach. The Archie Carr NWR has significantly fewer disorientation problems due primarily to reduced beachside activity and the higher level of awareness of the people who use and live along this beach. To assure that lighting problems do not exist in the Refuge, volunteers have been working with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to survey for any improper lighting and refer problems to Brevard County Code Enforcement.Nest Depredation
The depredation of sea turtle nests by raccoons is a continuing problem in the Refuge. Overall, raccoons account for the destruction of approximately 7% of the nests laid in the Refuge. That number can run as high as 73% in the one kilometer of beach located near Whitey's bait shop and between 30% and 40% for one kilometer on either side of this "hot spot". The raccoons tend to take the eggs either very soon after they are laid or at the time that they are hatching out.Backyard Concerns: Donation
The FOCR would like to thank the Crew of the Disney Magic cruise ship for their generous donation of $1200. This money will be used in our outreach and education program.USF&WS Partner's Program
The USF&WS has initiated a program to provide technical and financial assistance to private land holders who conduct habitat restoration and improvement activities on their land. For further information call Jay Herrington, North Florida State Coordinator at 1-904-232-2580, ext. 120.Who to call for Information:
Friend of the Carr Refuge/ Sea Turtle Preservation Society: 1-321-676-1701
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge: 1-561-562-3909 ext. 258
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