Marine litter can shift sea turtle nests toward the shoreline

Marine litter is an emerging threat to sea turtle rookeries, yet its
effects on nesting behaviour remain poorly understood. In this study, we
investigated how macro-litter accumulation on beaches influences the
spatial distribution of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on Boa
Vista Island, Cabo Verde. We mapped litter across 40 surveyed beach
sections and combined these data with nest locations and control points.
Our results revealed that females tend to nest closer to the shoreline
when litter is more abundant, overriding natural mid-beach nesting
preferences. We suggest that marine litter adds a new dimension to the
phenomenon of coastal squeeze, further reducing the availability of
suitable nesting habitat. The mechanism identified is likely relevant in
other major nesting areas where litter accumulates, potentially reshaping
habitat use for other populations worldwide. Our findings highlight the
indirect consequences of marine litter and the need for further research
on its ecological implications.