Technical assistance to integrate multiple datasets on imperiled sea turtles to improve strategic managementproject dates: 9 15 2025 through 9 14 2030AWARD purpose: this project will analyze and…

The University of Florida's Division of Sponsored Research received a $153,715 Cooperative Agreement awarded on September 15, 2025, under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Research and Data Collection program (CFDA 15.808) to provide technical assistance integrating multiple datasets on imperiled sea turtles to improve strategic management. The five-year project (through September 14, 2030) will synthesize over 30 years of sea turtle relocation trawling data with satellite telemetry information and dredging event metadata to conduct the first rigorous evaluation of relocation mitigation effectiveness for turtles displaced from dredging operations. The recipient will analyze capture records, quantify return times for relocated turtles, evaluate catch-per-unit-effort metrics, and assess how factors such as relocation distance, season, and species influence turtle behavior and outcomes.

The project will deliver integrated datasets, analytical outputs, peer-reviewed manuscripts, a comprehensive white paper synthesizing current knowledge, and interactive data visualizations designed to support management decisions by federal agencies including USGS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All data products and analytical methods will adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices standards to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and long-term accessibility. These deliverables will provide evidence-based guidance to enhance mitigation practices and strengthen protections for imperiled sea turtles while reducing operational conflicts in coastal resource management.

Activities

The recipient will integrate digitized relocation trawling data with satellite telemetry and dredging metadata. Analyses will quantify return times for relocated turtles, evaluate catch-per-unit-effort metrics, and assess how factors like relocation distance, season, and species influence turtle behavior. A comprehensive literature review will be conducted to summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps.deliverables and expected outcomes: the project will deliver integrated datasets, analytical outputs, and visualizations to support management decisions. Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed manuscripts, a white paper synthesizing current knowledge, and interactive data visualizations for agency use. All data products and methods will follow USGS fundamental science practices, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and long-term accessibility.intended beneficiary(IES): this work will benefit federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological survey, bureau of ocean energy management, and U.S. Army corps of engineers, by providing evidence-based guidance to improve mitigation practices. IT will also benefit conservation practitioners, policymakers, and the broader public by providing technical assistance and analyses that can allow for the enhancement of protections for imperiled sea turtles while reducing costs associated with dredging operations.

Subrecipient activities

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