2024-2025 LIVING MARINE RESOURCES (LMR) PROGRAM GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

This study at NC State University’s CMAST will examine temporary threshold shift (TTS) in juvenile loggerhead and green sea turtles, with approval from wildlife authorities. Loggerheads will be captive-reared hatchlings, while greens will be cold-stunned or wild-caught turtles. Juveniles are targeted due to easier handling and relevance to noise exposure risks. The project will develop and refine methods to measure hearing and TTS onset using broadband noise, comparing species with different hearing sensitivities.

Initial work will include acoustic mapping of test environments, optimizing sedation and restraint, and establishing protocols for long-duration auditory tests. Experiments will test multiple sound levels and durations to identify TTS thresholds, followed by narrowband noise studies. Optional phase 2 and 3 may extend to broader noise exposure types. Throughout, animal safety, consistent data quality, and acoustic environment control are prioritized to inform future noise impact assessments for sea turtles.