FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY DOCUMENTATION

TITLE: SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACHES IN FLORIDA - MARCH 2019

Geodataset Name:       SEA_TURTLE_BCH_MAR19
Geodataset Type:       SHAPEFILE
Geodataset Feature:    Polyline
Feature Count:         214
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The State of Florida, through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, coordinates the Statewide Nesting Beach Survey program (SNBS). The SNBS was initiated in 1979 under a cooperative agreement between FWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to document the total distribution, seasonality, and abundance of nesting by sea turtles in Florida. Three species of sea turtles, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), nest regularly on Florida's beaches. Two other species, Kemp s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) also nest but in very small numbers. All the species are listed as either Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Survey data are derived from observations of tracks and other nesting signs left on the beach by sea turtles. Species identifications and determinations of nesting vs. non-nesting emergences are based on the evaluation of visible features of the track and the nest. Data are gathered on more than 200 beaches through a network of permit holders consisting of private conservation groups, volunteers, consultants, academics, local governments, federal agencies, and the Florida Park Service. Nest density classifications of low, medium and high were developed for loggerheads, green turtles and leatherbacks according to quartile ranks. For loggerhead and green turtles, ranking was done within genetic subunits; ranks for leatherbacks were on a statewide basis. Hawksbill turtles and Kemp s ridleys are denoted only as present or absent on individual beaches. Surveys in the SNBS program may vary with respect to start/stop dates, frequency, duration and beach length between years for a particular beach, as well as between beaches. Survey results are used by managers to evaluate and minimize impacts to turtles and their nests due to human activities such as coastal construction, beach renourishment, and recreation, as well as to identify important areas for enhanced protection or land acquisition.
DATA SOURCE(S):                    Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Statewide Nesting Beach Survey Program
SCALE OF ORIGINAL SOURCE MAPS:     Unknown
GEODATASET EXTENT:                 State of Florida
PUBLICATION DATE: 201903 TIME PERIOD OF CONTENT: Begin Date: 20140218 End Date: 20190320 DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.fgdl.org/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES:

Datafile Name: SEA_TURTLE_BCH_MAR19.DBF
ITEM NAME WIDTH TYPE
OBJECTID
4 OID
Shape
4 Geometry
Beach
50 String
County
20 String
genSubCc
254 String
nYearsSurv
8 Double
mSurvLen
8 Double
ccDensClas
254 String
genSubCm
254 String
cmDensClas
254 String
dcDensClas
254 String
eiPresent
254 String
lkPresent
254 String
DESCRIPT
50 String
FGDLAQDATE
36 Date
AUTOID
4 Integer
SHAPE.LEN
0 Double

FEATURE ATTRIBUTE TABLES CODES AND VALUES:

Item
Item Description
OBJECTID Internal feature number.

Shape Feature geometry.

Beach The name of the nesting beach survey.

County The Florida county in which the beach survey occured.

genSubCc The genetic subunits identified for loggerheads nesting within Florida after Shamblin et al. (Genetic structure of the southeastern United States loggerhead turtle nesting aggregation: evidence of additional structure within the peninsular Florida recovery unit, 2011, Marine Biology 158:571-587).

nYearsSurv The number of years, during the last five, that the beach segment was surveyed (<=5).

mSurvLen The average length of the nesting beach survey effort (values in meters).

ccDensClas Nest density classifications of low, medium and high were determined for each species for each survey area based on average nest densities during the five-year period to which these data apply. Nest density was defined as the number of nests per kilometer of surveyed nesting beach habitat. Quartile break values at 25 and 75 percent of the observations were used in assigning nesting beaches to the three density categories. Categories were assigned as follows: low = density values less than or equal to the lower 25%, medium = nest density values greater than 25% and less than or equal to 75%, and high = nest density values greater than 75%. Beaches with zero density values were excluded from the quartile ranking calculations. Density classifications for loggerheads (Caretta caretta) were calculated for each of the seven Florida genetic subunits (three on the east coast), after Shamblin et al. (Genetic structure of the southeastern United States loggerhead turtle nesting aggregation: evidence of additional structure within the peninsular Florida recovery unit, 2011, Marine Biology 158:571-587).

genSubCm The genetic subunits identified for green turtles nesting within Florida after Shamblin et al. (2015).

cmDensClas Nest density classifications of low, medium and high were determined for each species for each survey area based on average nest densities during the five-year period to which these data apply. Nest density was defined as the number of nests per kilometer of surveyed nesting beach habitat. Quartile break values at 25 and 75 percent of the observations were used in assigning nesting beaches to the three density categories. Categories were assigned as follows: low = density values less than or equal to the lower 25%, medium = nest density values greater than 25% and less than or equal to 75%, and high = nest density values greater than 75%. Beaches with zero density values were excluded from the quartile ranking calculations. Density classifications for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were calculated for each Florida genetic subunits after Shamblin et al. (2015).

dcDensClas Nest density classifications of low, medium and high were determined for each species for each survey area based on average nest densities during the five-year period to which these data apply. Nest density was defined as the number of nests per kilometer of surveyed nesting beach habitat. Quartile break values at 25 and 75 percent of the observations were used in assigning nesting beaches to the three density categories. Categories were assigned as follows: low = density values less than or equal to the lower 25%, medium = nest density values greater than 25% and less than or equal to 75%, and high = nest density values greater than 75%. Beaches with zero density values were excluded from the quartile ranking calculations. Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting data were classified relative to all statewide nesting beaches because unique genetic subunits within Florida have not yet been described for the species.

eiPresent Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill) occurrence during the five-year survey period. Occurrence is represented as yes (nesting by this species was observed) or no (nesting by this species was not observed).

lkPresent Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp's ridley) occurrence during the five-year survey period. Occurrence is represented as yes (nesting by this species was observed) or no (nesting by this species was not observed).

DESCRIPT FGDL added field based on BEACH

FGDLAQDATE FGDL added field based on date downloaded from source.

AUTOID Unique ID added by GeoPlan

SHAPE.LEN Length in meters


USER NOTES:
This data is provided 'as is'. GeoPlan relied on the integrity
of the original data layer's topology
This data is provided 'as is' by GeoPlan and is complete to our
knowledge.
GeoPlan relied on the integrity of the attribute information within
the original data.
FWC s Statewide Nesting Beach Survey program encompassed an 
annual average of 1,318 km of nesting beach during the referenced 
period. This included most, but not all, of the nesting beaches in the 
state, with the most significant gap in coverage in the Everglades region 
of Monroe County. Annual nest counts for the state represent a minimum 
estimate because not all nesting activity is recorded on surveyed beaches 
and not all nesting beaches in Florida are surveyed. It should be noted that 
sea turtles may use any sandy beaches for nesting. There are limitations to 
the use of the SNBS database imposed by the data collection methodology 
employed. Surveys in the SNBS program may vary with respect to start/stop 
dates, frequency, duration and beach length between years for a particular 
beach, as well as between beaches, making the data inappropriate for 
assessing population trends. Trend evaluation is the goal of a complementary 
FWRI program, the Index Nesting Beach Survey program (INBS) where 
consistency in survey effort is accomplished by following a regime of 7 
days/week monitoring during a set 109-day window, and maintaining 
consistent survey boundaries. With some exceptions, including surveys 
on geographically remote beaches, SNBS surveys typically capture the 
majority of nesting activity on a particular beach. Surveys with less than 
7 day/week frequency may result in underestimated nest totals; however, 
most surveyors count all new nests observed when surveys are resumed, 
thus reducing the error. Tracks are marked as having been evaluated 
when the surveys are conducted. Determination of nesting success, i.e., 
whether an emergence has resulted in eggs being deposited, or in a 
"false crawl", is made using the visible features of the track and nest. 
This can be challenging in areas where nest densities are high or in 
situations where weather has erased the marks left in the sand by the 
turtle. However, in a test on INBS beaches of the accuracy of surveyors 
correctly distinguishing between nests and false crawls, the probability 
that a nest counted by a surveyor was actually a nest was 96%. Nest 
density classifications of low, medium and high were determined for 
each species for each survey area based on average nest densities 
during the five-year period to which these data apply. Nest density was 
defined as the number of nests per kilometer of surveyed nesting beach 
habitat. Quartile break values at 25 and 75 percent of the observations 
were used in assigning nesting beaches to the three density categories. 
Categories were assigned as follows: low = density values less than or 
equal to the lower 25%, medium = nest density values greater than 25% 
and less than or equal to 75%, and high = nest density values greater 
than 75%. Beaches with zero density values were excluded from the 
quartile ranking calculations. Density classifications for loggerhead 
(Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles were calculated 
for each of the genetic subunits, after Shamblin et al. (2011 and 2015). 
Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting data were classified relative 
to all statewide nesting beaches because unique genetic subunits within 
Florida have not yet been described for that species. Nest density values 
were not calculated for Kemp s ridleys and hawksbills because of the 
rareness of nesting by these species. Use of the quartile-based ranks 
(low, medium, high) to compare the level of nesting activity across beaches 
is recommended over the use of average nesting densities due to the 
variation of survey parameters (e.g., frequency, duration) and the dynamic 
nature of sea turtle nesting.

The State of Florida, through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, coordinates the Statewide 
Nesting Beach Survey program (SNBS). The SNBS was initiated in 1979 
under a cooperative agreement between FWC (then DNR) and the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to document the total distribution, 
seasonality, and abundance of nesting by sea turtles in Florida. Three 
species of sea turtles, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the green turtle 
(Chelonia mydas), and the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), nest 
regularly on Florida's beaches. Two other species, Kemp s ridley 
(Lepidochelys kempii) and the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) also nest 
but in very small numbers. All the species are listed as either Threatened or 
Endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Survey data are derived 
from observations of tracks and other nesting sign left on the beach by sea 
turtles. Species identifications and determinations of nesting vs. non-nesting 
emergences are based on the evaluation of visible features of the track and 
the nest. Data are gathered on more than 200 beaches through a network of 
permit holders consisting of private conservation groups, volunteers, consultants, 
academics, local governments, federal agencies, and the Florida Park Service. 
Annual nest counts for the state represent a minimum estimate because not 
all nesting activity is recorded on surveyed beaches and not all nesting beaches 
in Florida are surveyed. Nest density classifications of low, medium and 
high were developed for loggerheads, green turtles and leatherbacks 
according to quartile ranks. For loggerhead and green turtles, ranking 
was done within genetic subunits; ranks for and leatherbacks were on 
a statewide basis. Hawksbill turtles and Kemp s ridleys were denoted 
only as present or absent on individual beaches. Surveys in the SNBS 
program may vary with respect to start/stop dates, frequency, duration 
and beach length between years for a particular beach, as well as between 
beaches. This variability in the surveys, combined with the dynamic nature 
of sea turtle nesting activity, make the quartile ranking system for the beaches, 
rather than average nesting densities over a small number of years, a more 
appropriate measure of the level of nesting activity that takes place on a 
particular beach. Survey results are used by managers to evaluate and 
minimize impacts to turtles and their nests due to human activities such 
as coastal construction, beach renourishment, and recreation, as well 
as to identify important areas for enhanced protection or land acquisition. 
Direct contact by managers with the appropriate state data provider is highly 
recommended to obtain more detailed information about the surveys on a 
particular beach.

This data is provided 'as is' and its horizontal positional accuracy
has not been verified by GeoPlan

This data is provided 'as is' and its vertical positional accuracy
has not been verified by GeoPlan

All data must be verified by Principle Investigator or Group Database Analyst 
prior to release. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired 
from FWC and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed 
the data in some way. FWC makes no claims as to suitability of these data for 
other purposes. Acknowledgment of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute as the data source would 
be appreciated in any products developed from these data. Such acknowledgment 
as is standard for citation and legal practices for data source is expected by users 
of these data. Please cite the original metadata when using portions of the record 
to create a similar record of slightly altered data, such as reprojection. If any data 
are modified or adjusted, please share the edited information with FWC. Users 
should be aware that comparison with other data sets for the same area from 
other time periods may be inaccurate due to inconsistencies resulting from 
changes in mapping conventions, data collection, and computer processes 
over time. FWC shall not be liable for improper or incorrect use of these data. 
These data are not legal documents and are not to be used as such. It should 
be noted that shapefiles consisting of Statewide survey areas are general representations.

The Florida Geographic Data Library is a collection of Geospatial Data
compiled by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center with support from
the Florida Department of Transportation. GIS data available in FGDL is
collected from various state, federal, and other agencies (data sources)
who are data stewards, producers, or publishers. The data available in
FGDL may not be the most current version of the data offered by the
data source. University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no guarantees
about the currentness of the data and suggests that data users check
with the data source to see if more recent versions of the data exist.

Furthermore, the GIS data available in the FGDL are provided 'as is'.
The University of Florida GeoPlan Center makes no warranties, guaranties
or representations as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the data
provided by the data sources. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
makes no representations or warranties about the quality or suitability
of the materials, either expressly or implied, including but not limited
to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or non-infringement. The University of Florida GeoPlan Center
shall not be liable for any damages suffered as a result of using,
modifying, contributing or distributing the materials.

A note about data scale: 

Scale is an important factor in data usage.  Certain scale datasets
are not suitable for some project, analysis, or modeling purposes.
Please be sure you are using the best available data. 

1:24000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
county level.
1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such
as property parcel boundaries.
1:100000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
multi-county or regional level.
1:125000 scale datasets are recommended for projects that are at the
regional or state level or larger.

Vector datasets with no defined scale or accuracy should be
considered suspect. Make sure you are familiar with your data
before using it for projects or analysis. Every effort has been
made to supply the user with data documentation. For additional
information, see the References section and the Data Source Contact
section of this documentation. For more information regarding
scale and accuracy, see our webpage at:
http://geoplan.ufl.edu/education.html

REFERENCES:
FFWCC-FWRI Turtle Nesting:
http://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/

DATA LINEAGE SUMMARY:
GeoPlan received this data in shapefile format from the Florida Fish 
and Wildlife Conservation Commission-Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 
via email on July 1, 2019. The FWC contact for this dataset is Beth Mongiovi
(Beth.Brost@MyFWC.com).
The data was received  as a shapefile in projection: 
PCS_Albers. The dataset was then projected from PCS_Albers
to FGDL Albers HPGN.

- Added the field DESCRIPT based on BEACH.
- Added the field FGDLAQDATE based on date downloaded from source.
- Upcased all text in the attribute table.
- Data set was renamed sea_turtle_bch_mar19 from fwcSeaTurtleNestDensityClassification20142018.

Field change notes (July 2019):

Removed fields:

ccMeanDens
ccCofVar
nYearsSurv
ccCount
cmMeanDens
cmCofVar
cmCount
dcMeanDens
dcCofVar
dcCount
eiCount
lkCount


Field changes:

meanSurvLe is now mSurvLen
cmGenSubUn is now genSubcm
ccGenSubUn is now genSubCc
Process Date: 20180806

Dataset copied. Process Date: 20190705
MAP PROJECTION PARAMETERS:

Projection                          ALBERS
Datum                               HPGN
Units                               METERS
Spheroid                            GRS1980
1st Standard Parallel               24  0  0.000
2nd Standard Parallel               31 30  0.000
Central Meridian                   -84 00  0.000
Latitude of Projection's Origin     24  0  0.000
False Easting (meters)              400000.00000
False Northing (meters)             0.00000

DATA SOURCE CONTACT (S):

Name:
Abbr. Name:
Address:


Phone:

Web site:
E-mail:
Contact Person:
         Phone:
        E-mail:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
FFWCC-FWRI
100 Eighth Ave. SE
St. Petersburg, FL
33701
727.502.4738

Server=wopr.fla-etat.org; Service=5151; User=etat; Version=SDE.DEFAULT SeaTurtleData@MyFWC.com Beth Mongiovi

FGDL CONTACT:
Name:                   FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY
Abbr. Name:             FGDL
Address:                Florida Geographic Data Library
                        431 Architecture Building
                        PO Box 115706
                        Gainesville, FL  32611-5706
Web site:               http://www.fgdl.org

Contact FGDL: 

      Technical Support:	        http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfeed.html
      FGDL Frequently Asked Questions:  http://www.fgdl.org/fgdlfaq.html
      FGDL Mailing Lists:		http://www.fgdl.org/fgdl-l.html
      For FGDL Software:                http://www.fgdl.org/software.html