| Virginia
Journal of Science.
2005. Vol 57 (4) : 167-183 |
| GIS
and 3D Analysis Applied to Sea Turtle Mortalities and Navigation
Channel Dredging . Bradley A. Shellito , Department of Geography, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH 44555 and Keith B. Lockwood, Environmental Scientist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 803 Front Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 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. |