Sea turtles and the environmental management of industrial activities in North West Western Australia

摘要: The nesting demographics of sea turtles using beaches within the Barrow, Lowendal, Montebello (B-L-M) island complex on North West Shelf Western Australia were examined in context their spatial and temporal distribution potential for exposure to industrially based artificial light sources. overnight turtle tracks throughout confirmed high density Chelonia mydas (green turtles) deep, sandy energy Natator depressus (flatback low beaches, while Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill turtle) most visible shallow, adjacent near shore coral reef habitat. three species exhibited a summer peak. Hawksbill commenced September continued through January, green November decreased March. Flatback displayed constrained season reported date with 86% animals visits recorded December January only. Nesting population sizes estimated suggest that national scale B-L-M is moderately large flatback rookery site. hawksbill an international scale. While none fell 1.5 km radius sources 42% 12% potentially exposed these sources. Testing hatchling response different wavelengths indicate hatchlings from region respond wavelength much like tested America (Witherington 1992a). similar preference however responses discrete between 400 nm 700 this may not discriminate well lie 450 550 nm. This be related rapid attenuation occurs turbid habitats favoured by species. Field arena studies carried out investigate behaviour types commonly used industrial settings found are significantly attracted lights compared controls. Lights emit strongly range (i.e. metal halide fluorescent) caused misorientation at lower intensities than test emitted relatively poorly (high pressure sodium vapour). situ under influence actual oil gas onshore offshore facility lighting disrupted direct line ocean emissions. Emergence fan mapping methods measure orientation refined proposed as alternative monitoring tool use logistically difficult access experimental studies. was clearly complicated beach topography moon phase. Satellite tracking post female rookeries has identified Australian location migratory corridors foraging grounds Scott Reef migrate south Timor Sea Northern Territory waters. Green Barrow Island Sandy (Scott Reef) forage feeding 200 - 1000 beaches. Varanus Rosemary Islands locations 50 all protected Barrow-Montebello Marine Conservation Reserves, only ground similarly turtles. None or currently conservation reserves.