Human-turtle interactions during freshwater recreational activities: Understanding risks and mitigation strategies

Human activities are increasingly shaping the natural world. Understanding the multi-faceted and complex human-wildlife interactions that occur during these activities provides valuable insights into the human-led biodiversity crisis, and directions for effective environmental and conservation. In this thesis, we use an interdisciplinary approach to understand human-turtle interactions during water-based recreational activities in the Rideau Canal Waterway, Ontario, Canada, a site popular for recreation and home to five at-risk turtle species. We reviewed literature on human-turtle interactions during water-based recreation, and found most articles reported negative impacts to turtles, predominantly from boating activities. We also found knowledge gaps in measuring the efficacy of suggested conservation measures, and a lack of human dimensions research. We then assessed population size of northern map turtles (Graptemys geographica) in Opinicon Lake, Rideau Canal Waterway using two methods - capture-mark-recapture and local ecological knowledge. We found differing results from both methods. We suspect ongoing research from the lake’s biological station influenced local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of turtles, revealing insights about science transfer. Next, we used two sociopsychological theories to explore underlying drivers for adopting turtle pro-conservation behaviours related to water-based recreation. We found the strongest driver that predicted behaviours were subjective norms, the perceived social expectation to behave. We recommend Rideau Canal Waterway environmental organizations frame turtle conservation awareness campaigns using subjective norms, such as highlighting that turtle pro-conservation behaviours are respected and endorsed by peers, neighbours, and community leaders. Lastly, we explored when northern map turtles in Opinicon Lake are at risk of powerboat collisions, as this can lead to turtle injury or mortality. While boat traffic was highest in July and August, we found turtles were more often found in open and shallow waters in May and June, potentially making them at greater risk of collisions during nesting season. Overall, this thesis highlights the interdisciplinarity of human-turtle interactions, and continued collaboration of diverse expertise needed to support freshwater turtle conservation during water-based recreation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Berberi, Albana Ismerda

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2025 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2025-16600

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/43967