Vulnerability of sea turtle nesting sites to erosion and inundation: A decision support framework to maximize conservation

Sandy beaches provide essential nesting habitats for sea turtles but are threatened globally by a rapidly changing climate. Identifying which sites at the greatest risk from erosion and inundation remains an important goal of turtle conservation globally. Yet, efforts to identify at-risk have been hindered ability model complex processes incomplete information on distribution abundance. To assess reproductive success discrete genetic stock flatback (Natator depressus) across its range in Pilbara region Western Australia, we used Integrated Valuation Ecosystem Services Trade-offs (InVEST) Coastal Vulnerability Model. A relative exposure index was calculated 402 terms six geophysical variables: wind wave exposure, surge potential, relief, observed level rise, coastal geomorphology, coupled with published abundance tracks region. The majority (74%) had intermediate high exposure. In particular, 36% (the top 25% frequency distribution) distribution). This suggests that is key vulnerability nest this Promisingly, five also low (bottom distribution), these may be critical long-term resilience against rise severe storms. Exposure varied sites, approach presented here allows rapid broadscale assessment risks scale most relevant management.