| dc.description.abstract |
Anguilla is a small island in the Caribbean with recovering nesting populations of
hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green (Chelonia
mydas) turtles. While there is currently a moratorium on sea turtle harvesting until
2020, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources is concerned about anthropogenic
impacts on nesting habitat. These impacts relate to tourism pressures and include
artificial beachfront lighting, largely unconstrained coastal development, and illegal
sand mining for construction aggregate. Artificial lighting on beaches can deter
gravid females from approaching nesting sites, disrupt and shorten nesting efforts,
and inhibit sea-finding mechanisms in both turtles and hatchlings. The majority of
light pollution in Anguilla emanates from beachfront tourism-related properties, the
most rapidly expanding economic sector on the island. In addition to stakeholder
interviews, field work included formal lighting assessments on three hotel properties
located on nesting beaches and informal assessments of lighting and other anthropogenic
effects on other potential nesting habitat on the island. The project provides recommendations
for elements of a Lighting Ordinance, as well as tourism-oriented materials designed
to help reduce the impact of the tourism industry on sea turtle nesting habitat in
Anguilla.
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