For the last 20 years, beaches of the Northeast and southeast of Puerto Rico were considered important nesting sites for Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtle). However, 6 years ago, a new leatherback beach at the north coast of Puerto Rico was identified. The beach is known as Playa Grande (El Único) in the Municipality of Dorado. The local environmental organization known as Proyecto Tinglar Dorado (a member organization of Chelonia) and its volunteers, in direct collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), have recently reported the largest leatherback nesting activity in Puerto Rico at this site. A total of number nesting females haven been tagged, several leatherbacks from other beaches within Puerto Rico and from other rookeries outside Puerto Rico have been reported nesting in this beach. The nesting season started from March to July with a peak in April to June.
Results/Conclusions
Results showed approximately 341, 367, 598, 507, 586 and 189 nests documented in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Hatchling success is one of the highest in Puerto Rico with an average of 53-66%. During the years 2016 and 2017, there has been a decline in leatherback nesting. This has caused natural effects, such as droughts, high temperatures in the oceans, and excessive rainfall. Although this beach is dark, with no development, it is less than 10 km from one of the highest human populated areas in PR and less than 20 minutes from San Juan (Capital of PR). Coastal development in Playa El Único could represent a serious threat to the ecological health of sea turtles and their habitats. In June 18, 2016, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources have decided to designated this beach as a Natural Reserve.