GIS and 3D Analysis Applied to Sea Turtle Mortalities and Navigation Channel Dredging

Authors

Bradley A. Shellito, Youngstown State University
Keith B. Lockwood, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.25778/hxqk-k674

Abstract

Between 2000 and 2003 there were an increased number of documented sea turtle mortalities related to hopper dredging in the channels of the Chesapeake Bay. A pilot study was undertaken to create a bathymetric surface and three-dimensional model of the Cape Henry Channel using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a visualization tool to examine sea turtle mortalities in relation to the dredging. In Fall 2003, the US Army Corps of Engineers dredged the Thimble Shoals Federal Navigation Channel, and a more refined model was developed using this data. This project examines the growing concerns over sea turtle mortality rates and dredging operations, as well as a description of the usage of GIS analysis, interpolation, and visualization methods as tools for examining turtle habitat and mortality issues. Future directions for incorporating GIS into attempts to reduce sea turtle mortality in dredging operations are then outlined.

Recommended Citation

Shellito, Bradley A. and Lockwood, Keith B. (2006) "GIS and 3D Analysis Applied to Sea Turtle Mortalities and Navigation Channel Dredging," Virginia Journal of Science: Vol. 57: No. 4, Article 4.
DOI: 10.25778/hxqk-k674
Available at: https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/vjs/vol57/iss4/4