Characterizing response of East Pacific green turtles to changing temperatures: Using acoustic telemetry in a highly urbanized environment

Abstract

Background: Ocean water temperature is changing as a result of anthropogenic influences on the marine environment. Highly mobile marine ectotherms, such as sea turtles, may be particularly susceptible to these changes. However, our current understanding of location-specific thermal tolerances, especially at coastal foraging or over-wintering areas, is limited. Human-induced changes, such as thermal effluent from power plants, appear to have a suite of influences on species that reside in affected areas. Here, we describe a study of green turtle habitat use related to changing water temperature at a coastal foraging site that has recently experienced a power plant closure, leading to a transition to cooler ambient water temperature. We used a combination of active and passive acoustic telemetry to monitor green turtle distribution in relation to water temperature in this dynamic thermal environment. Results: Both before and after closure of the power plant, turtles were distributed in significantly warmer waters than surrounding environments during winter months (December-February). Turtles in winter were rarely detected in water temperatures lower than 14.5 °C. Body size was negatively correlated with water temperature after closure of the power plant, with larger turtles found in cooler waters, while smaller turtles remained within warmer areas. There was not a significant relationship between body size and water temperature before closure of the power plant as water temperature was more constant during operation. Conclusions: Green turtles in San Diego Bay experienced a shift in water temperature following the loss of thermal effluent from a power plant. The effects of this shift were particularly evident during winter months, when ambient water temperatures were coolest. Water temperatures in the southern region of San Diego Bay were significantly warmer during winter before the closure of the power plant, and turtles were detected in significantly warmer water. Turtles in San Diego Bay may associate with or seek out thermal refugia, when possible, to avoid low water temperatures. The cold water temperature inactivity threshold for East Pacific green turtles may be lower than previously thought. There was a significant negative relationship between turtle size and water temperature after power plant closure. East Pacific green turtles exhibit clear responses in habitat use to changes in water temperature at a foraging site near the edge of their geographic range.