UNC-‘Sea’-W: Advancing Turtle Conservation, Education and Outreach

February 3, 2026 - 21:41

Graduate researchers at the University of North Carolina Wilmington are delving into the lives of sea turtles to understand the broader ecological impacts of a warming climate. Caroline VanDuzer and Jamie Clark are leading studies focused on how increasing sand and ocean temperatures affect these ancient mariners, whose biology is deeply intertwined with environmental conditions.

The sex of sea turtle hatchlings is determined by incubation temperature, making the species acutely vulnerable to climate shifts. Researchers fear that warming beaches could lead to drastic sex ratio imbalances, threatening future population stability. Beyond reproduction, the team is investigating how changing ocean temperatures influence turtle migration patterns, diet, and overall health.

This work extends beyond pure biology, serving as a critical indicator for the state of marine ecosystems as a whole. By monitoring these sensitive creatures, scientists can gather vital data on the wider effects of climate change on ocean ecology. The research underscores the interconnectedness of marine life and highlights how the fate of one species can signal changes affecting countless others in the aquatic world.