Abstract

Marine turtles, crucial environmental indicators of climate change, are facing extinction threats exacerbated by coastal modifications. This study focuses on the nesting patterns of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the rarer green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the beaches of Martinique, a French Caribbean Island. By identifying and characterizing the main anthropogenic impacts—specifically noise and light pollution—on nesting success and hatchling emergence, we aim to provide insights into preserving these vital species. We selected three beaches on Martinique's western Caribbean coast, each with varying levels of human disturbance. Our initial findings reveal that Le Diamant beach, the most visited site, accounts for 52.6% of all nesting activities. However, after normalizing for beach length, Madiana beach exhibits the highest spawning density, with 5.2 clutches per 100 meters, despite significant anthropogenic pressures. This highlights the need for an in-depth analysis of Madiana beach. Additionally, preliminary results indicate that Salines beach, the least anthropized site, shows more consistent turtle observation durations during our sampling efforts. These findings underscore the critical importance of understanding both environmental and human factors influencing nesting site selection. By shedding light on these dynamics, our research aims to inform conservation strategies to protect sea turtle nesting areas, ultimately aiding in the preservation of these endangered species and the marine ecosystems they represent.