Specifications

Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment
EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006
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average number of nests, ranges between 509-740 females (NMFS & USFWS,
1995; USFWS, 1999).
The threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests regularly in South
Florida where the nesting and hatching season lasts from May to November.
Important feeding areas for the green sea turtle include Indian River Lagoon,
Florida Keys, Florida Bay, Homosassa River, Crystal River, and Cedar Key.
Green sea turtles occupy three habitat types: high-energy oceanic beaches,
convergence zones in the open ocean, and benthic feeding grounds in shallow,
protected waters. A survey of green sea turtle nests conducted from 1985 to
1995 showed that Palm Beach County has the second highest percentage of
green sea turtle nests in Florida (USFWS, 1999). Green sea turtles are
primarily herbivorous, eating seagrasses and algae in the benthic feeding
grounds. While in the pelagic zone, they may also eat shellfish, jellyfish, and
other organisms (NMFS & USFWS, 1995).
The threatened loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common sea
turtle in South Florida. The geographic range of its habitat is temperate and
tropical waters worldwide. Within Florida, 80% of the nesting occurs on the east
coast of Florida, especially from Brevard through Broward Counties. The
nesting and hatching season runs from mid-March to November. Nesting
females prefer moderate to high-energy beaches with steep slopes. Loggerhead
turtles inhabit a variety of habitats, from turbid, muddy-bottom bays along the
northern Gulf of Mexico coast, to clear, sandy-bottom reefs and shoals of the
Caribbean. Upon hatching, juveniles swim out to Sargassum areas in the
pelagic zone, and stay there until they reach sub-adulthood. At that point, they
migrate to nearshore and estuarine waters. Loggerhead turtles primarily eat
benthic invertebrates, such as snails, bivalve mollusks (e.g., clams), and crabs
(USFWS, 1999). Loggerhead monitoring suggests that population levels in
Florida have remained stable (NMFS & USFWS, 1995).
Environmental threats to sea turtles in the marine environment include: gas
and oil drilling; loss of seagrass habitat; development; pollution; fishing-related
activities; underwater explosions; dredging; boat collisions; entanglement;
ingestion of debris; and poaching. Nesting-related threats include: artificial
lights; beach nourishment activities; human presence; poaching; recreational
equipment; and habitat loss (USFWS, 1999).
2.11.5.10 Smalltooth Sawfish
The endangered small-toothed sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is one of two species of
sawfish that inhabit U.S. waters. Smalltooth sawfish commonly reach 5.5
meters in length, and may grow to 7 meters. Little is known about the life
history of these animals, but they may live up to 25-30 years and mature after