Draft:Impact of sand loss on sea turtles

Sand loss on beaches is defined as the loss or displacement of land along the coastline due to either natural or human induced causes. Examples of natural causes include strong waves, currents, tides, storms, longshore drift, sea level rise, and wind erosion. Common examples of human induced causes include coastal development, dredging, sand-mining, climate change, and jetties. Sand loss on beaches involves a variety of negative impacts for the not only the environment but also the economy, disrupting marine ecosystems and causing a loss of tourism revenue. Many species including sea turtles rely on sandy beaches for their shelter and breeding grounds. The loss of sand erodes these crucial habitats and causes their populations to drastically decrease. As beaches narrow sea turtles struggle to find suitable nesting grounds and there becomes a decrease in sea turtle hatching success. Understanding the significant consequences of sand loss is crucial to developing strategies to preserve our beaches, not only for us but for the creatures that rely on coastal environments.

Sea turtle habitats

Sea turtle habitats vary throughout different stages of their life cycle, but always begin on their nesting beaches where eggs are initially laid. Female sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on beaches that are suitable for reproductive success. These beaches are typically in tropical and subtropical regions that have soft, sandy shores and a warm climate. The sand must be soft enough for female sea turtles to be able to dig a deep and secure nest that will support her eggs. Sand temperature is crucial because it directly influences the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer sand tends to produce females while colder sand produces males. This is referred to as temperature-dependent sex determination.

Besides the sand composition, wave and tide patterns also play an important role in egg hatchings. It is preferable to lay eggs where there are moderate and steady waves that can easily guide new hatchlings into the ocean. Any waves that are harsh or turbulent can wash new hatchlings back onto shore or even destroy nests. Flooding in nests is almost always fatal as sea turtle embryos are not adapted to a high level of salinity. Female sea turtles also prefer quieter coastal environments that have minimal physical disturbances, such as human activity. Darkness is an important factor for nesting survival so any artificial light from buildings, boardwalks, or streetlights can become harmful.[1] Sea turtles rely on the natural light of the moon reflecting on the ocean to guide them towards the water.

Common nesting areas for sea turtles are found in Florida, Australia, or Costa Rica. These areas possess many of the ideal factors of a nesting environment.

Sand loss on beaches worldwide

Sand loss on beaches is a significant environmental issue that threatens coastal ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities. Beaches naturally undergo cycles of erosion and deposition, but human activities and climate change have intensified the rate of sand loss, disrupting these delicate processes. Rising sea levels, caused by global warming, contribute to this problem by allowing ocean waters to intrude further onto shorelines, gradually eroding the sand. Additionally, more frequent and intense storms, fueled by things like climate change, generate stronger waves and storm surges that wash away large amounts of sand, making it difficult for beaches to recover naturally.

Human intervention has also played a major role in accelerating beach erosion. Coastal development, such as the construction of buildings, roads, and seawalls, interferes with natural sand replenishment.[1] Structures like jetties and groins, built to protect specific areas from erosion, often redirect sand movement and worsen erosion elsewhere. Sand mining, which removes sediment for construction and industrial purposes, further depletes beaches and disrupts coastal stability. In some regions, dredging activities aimed at keeping waterways navigable can also alter sand distribution patterns, leading to imbalances in sediment supply.

The loss of beach sand has severe consequences for both humans and wildlife.[7] Many species, including sea turtles, depend on sandy beaches for nesting and survival. When beaches erode, nesting sites disappear, making it difficult for these animals to reproduce successfully. When there is less beach area available, female sea turtles may be pushed to lay their eggs closer to the tide line or generally unsuitable areas. Disruption to the nesting process can lead to fewer eggs being laid or deter females from nesting entirely.

Coastal tourism, which relies heavily on the presence of healthy, sandy shorelines, also suffers from sand loss.[1] As beaches shrink, they become less attractive to visitors, leading to economic declines in regions that depend on tourism revenue. In extreme cases, entire communities may face displacement due to severe erosion, putting both infrastructure and livelihoods at risk.

Addressing sand loss requires a combination of strategies to ensure its erasure. Without intervention, the continued loss of beach sand will have far-reaching environmental and economic consequences, making it crucial to find effective and sustainable solutions.

Effect on sea turtle habitats

Coastal erosion is a critical environmental issue that drastically affects sea turtles nesting habitats by directly shrinking the available space for turtles to lay their eggs. The narrowing of beach limits the space that sea turtles can create nests and also poses a threat of flooding. Rising tides can destroy nests and drown eggs before they have the chance to fully develop. Sea turtle embryos rely on the nest stability and dry sand to survive. Even a brief exposure to seawater can disrupt the delicate developmental process of a sea turtle embryo.

Coastal erosion can also alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the nesting environment itself. Coastal erosion exposes sand to different underlying layers of minerals that can disrupt the quality of sand. Since the quality of sand is crucial to nesting and sea turtle embryo development, when coastal erosion exposes sand to harmful factors it can ruin the properties of the nesting environment. Not only do these new minerals harm nests, it can also change the thermal properties of sand. For example, darker sand absorbs more heat which can affect the sex of the developing sea turtle embryos. Increased heat can skew the gender ratio towards female which over time can create a lack of balance between male and female sea turtles.

Coastal erosion can also change the structure of a beach. When new sea turtle hatchlings begin to make their way to the ocean they are extremely vulnerable and must find water quickly. Coastal erosion can create steeper or rockier sand, creating additional barriers for new hatchlings to pass as they make their way to the ocean. Without the smooth and sandy beaches, sea turtles may find themselves stuck in steep divots or trapped between a rock. Not only does this increase the time before new hatchlings make it to the water, but increases the chance of a predator catching a new hatchling.

The man made artificial lighting surrounding coastal environments can distract new hatchlings from following their natural cues from the moon to guide them towards the water. Combining artificial lighting with the different consequences of coastal erosion creates a long list of barriers for nesting and new sea turtle hatchlings reaching the water.[1]

These repercussions emphasize the importance of restoring and protecting our coastal environments. To protect sea turtles and other coastal species, it is crucial to maintain conditions that are suitable for natural species. There are a lot of conservation techniques that can be applied as a possible solution for coastal erosion and sand loss.

Potential solutions

Beach nourishment is a possible solution for sea turtles, as adding sand to eroded beaches can restore nesting habitats.[6] However, it must match the natural sand composition to avoid negative effects on nesting success. Beach protection measures could also be implemented, which involve limiting artificial lighting, enforcing coastal zoning regulations, and implementing dune restoration to stabilize shorelines.

Additionally, sustainable coastal development practices, such as constructing seawalls and other erosion control structures, should be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not disrupt natural sand movement. Educating local communities on the importance of preserving beach ecosystems can also promote conservation efforts.

The most obvious answer is mitigating climate change and reducing sea level rise to slow the loss of sea turtle habitats. Higher sea levels invade beach territory, while stronger storms and more aggressive waves make it harder for hatchlings to reach the ocean safely. Reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting marine ecosystems are all essential steps in addressing the root causes of habitat loss.

Long-term impacts

The long-term impacts of sand loss on beaches are profound, affecting ecosystems, coastal communities, and the overall stability of shorelines worldwide. As erosion continues, entire beach landscapes can gradually disappear, leading to the loss of critical habitats for marine life such as sea turtles, shorebirds, and coastal vegetation. Many species rely on sandy beaches for nesting, breeding, or feeding, and as these areas diminish, their populations face significant threats. Sea turtles, for instance, return to the same beaches each year to lay eggs, but with ongoing erosion, these sites may no longer exist or provide the necessary conditions for successful nesting and hatching. Without intervention, this could contribute to the decline or even extinction of vulnerable species.

Beyond ecological consequences, sand loss also affects human communities, particularly those in coastal regions that depend on beaches for tourism and recreation. Many economies rely heavily on beach tourism, and as beaches shrink or disappear, so does the revenue generated from visitors. Beach erosion can lead to fewer tourists, impacting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational services, ultimately resulting in job losses and economic downturns in affected areas. In some cases, entire communities may be forced to relocate due to land loss and increased coastal flooding, leading to displacement and social upheaval. Cities that are entirely dependent on their tourism revenue may lose their main source of income due to the fact their beaches are no longer tourist-friendly.

Additionally, sand loss significantly weakens the natural protection that beaches provide against storms and rising sea levels. Beaches and sand dunes act as barriers, absorbing the energy from waves and storm surges, protecting inland areas from flooding and damage. When these natural defenses erode, coastal infrastructure, including roads, homes, and businesses, becomes more vulnerable to destruction from hurricanes, typhoons, and other extreme weather events. As climate change continues to accelerate, with rising sea levels and stronger storms, the rate of beach erosion is expected to increase, making coastal resilience a growing concern for many nations.

Furthermore, the depletion of sand resources creates long-term challenges for beach nourishment projects and coastal management strategies. Many governments and environmental organizations attempt to replenish eroded beaches by importing sand from offshore sources or other locations. However, this solution is not always sustainable, as it can disrupt marine ecosystems, be costly, and may not provide a permanent fix if the root causes of erosion are not addressed. The increasing demand for sand for construction and industrial purposes further exacerbates the problem, as sand mining depletes natural reserves, leading to greater instability in coastal environments.

In the long run, if sand loss is not effectively managed, we could see irreversible environmental damage, economic instability, and the displacement of both human and animal populations. Sustainable interventions, such as beach nourishment, dune restoration, and policies that mitigate climate change, will be crucial in preserving the world's beaches and ensuring they remain vital ecosystems and protective landscapes for future generations.

References

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