A Geospatial Approach for Preliminary Assessment of Erosion-Induced Leatherback Nest Loss on Dynamic Coastlines

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are globally threatened and frequently exhibit low hatching success rates, limited by nest site characteristics and geomorphological processes. Although coastal erosion is increasingly recognised as a threat to leatherback nests, quantitative assessments of erosion-related nest loss remain limited. To address this, we developed a geospatial framework to assess nest exposure and potential loss due to erosion at Matura Beach, Trinidad. We used high-resolution drone imagery to generate digital surface models (DSMs) and orthomosaics, combining them with nest location data from three nesting seasons (2023–2025). We identified and evaluated stable nesting areas across annual erosion–accretion cycles. Seasonal and interannual sedimentary movement accounted for 15%–45% of total potential annual nest-loss during the study period. The integration of drone-derived DSMs with nest distribution data provided fine-scale insights into spatial vulnerability and highlighted dynamic shifts in nesting habitat stability. This framework demonstrates the utility of drone-based leatherback nest monitoring on dynamic coastal habitats and offers a replicable method for conservation planning across similar habitats. Findings support adaptive management strategies, including targeted nest relocations and erosion mitigation, to safeguard northwestern Atlantic leatherback nests.