Life Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Artificial Light Pollution On Orientation Of Hatchling Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta Caretta) In The Grand Strand Region, South Carolina, Emily S. Asp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sea turtle hatchlings primarily utilize sight to detect differences in elevation and light intensity present along the horizon to navigate from the nest to the water’s edge. The addition of artificial lights can cause visual misdirection, resulting in disorientation (aimlessly wandering in circular paths) or misorientation (moving in distinct paths away from ocean). Extensive research has been done on effects of high levels of artificial light but little on effects of comparatively lower levels of artificial light on hatchling sea turtle orientation. This study examined these lower intensity areas to identify if there is a threshold of artificial light above …