SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF HAWAIIAN GREEN SEA TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) STRANDINGS ON MAUI, HAWAII (2017-2024)

Abstract

Conserving key species, such as the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), requires understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of strandings. This project examines strandings on Maui from 2017 to 2024 using data collected by the Marine Institute at the Maui Ocean Center. Each record includes multiple data entries, including geospatial coordinates, suspected cause, mortality status, age class, sex, signs of injury or entanglement, presence of fibropapillomatosis, and rehabilitation outcomes for each stranded turtle. Spatial analysis was conducted in ArcGIS Pro using tools such as Kernel Density Estimation, Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*), and Summary Statistics. Python scripting supports data preprocessing and field calculations. Among the 1,297 records analyzed, 88.7% of turtles were found alive, 7% were freshly dead, and 4.3% were in various stages of decomposition. No significant decomposition pattern was observed. Sex data was limited—77.2% undetermined, 12.8% female, and 10% male, hindering detection of sex-specific trends. Strandings were clustered along densely populated and tourist-heavy coastlines, likely influenced by both turtle behavior and observer bias. Remote or less accessible areas may be underrepresented. These results highlight the importance of expanding monitoring efforts in under-surveyed regions to improve data completeness. Future conservation strategies should consider limitations such as staff availability, funding, and access to isolated sites to ensure more comprehensive stranding assessments and effective protection of this threatened species.