Ecological Survey and Habitat Assessment of Sea Turtles on the Coastline of Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria

This study surveys sea turtle nesting activity and assesses nesting habitat quality along the Akwa Ibom State coastline, located in Nigeria's South South geopolitical zone. At least three sea turtle species, including the leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, green turtle Chelonia mydas, and olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea, are known to nest on Nigerian beaches, but species-specific nesting density data from Akwa Ibom are absent. Nightly beach patrol surveys were conducted over 60 consecutive nights at four beach sections totalling 28 km. Nesting females were measured and photographed, clutch size recorded, and nest locations GPS-tagged. Nest fate was monitored to determine incubation success. Beach habitat quality including sand particle size, slope, width, humidity, and light pollution levels were measured and correlated with nest site selection. A total of 64 nesting events were recorded, comprising 41 leatherback, 15 green, and 8 olive ridley nests. Leatherback hatching success averaged 61.4 percent, reduced by sand compaction in sections with vehicle access. Artificial light from fishing boat generators significantly reduced nest site selection probability. Human egg poaching was confirmed at 8 sites. The study proposes a beach conservation strategy incorporating nesting site protection, anti-poaching patrols, community education, and artificial light management for adoption by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group. Keywords: sea turtles, nesting habitat, Akwa Ibom, leatherback, coastal conservation.