TurtleAlert: An IoT-Based Device Capable of Predicting and Detecting Hatchling Emergence Using ESP32

Abstract

Sea turtle populations across the globe are severely threatened, with hatchlings particularly exposed when they emerge from nests. Early intervention by humans can drastically raise their chances of survival. This study presents TurtleAlert, an IoT-Based device capable of predicting and detecting hatchling emergence events. The system includes the use of sensors such as temperature sensors (DS18B20), accelerometers (MPU6050), and passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors to monitor important indicators at sea turtle hatchery sites. The brain of the system is ESP32 microcontroller, which reads data from a maximum of three smart sensors which consists of MPU6050, DS18B20, and HC-SR501 that are placed at different nests. The system was deployed and tested in collaboration with Project CURMA at a turtle hatchery in San Juan, La Union, Philippines. A sample of twenty-five participants, including volunteers and hatchers, hatchery manager and staff, marine conservation experts, and technical experts, are selected through purposive sampling. Ethical considerations prioritize participants consent, privacy, well-being, as well as the health of sea turtles and their nests are considered throughout the study. The system is developed to be low-cost and scalable making it suitable for hatchery. This research employed mixed method research design, the data gathering process for the research involves a systematic approach aligned with the study’s objectives. It includes defining thresholds for smart sensors, designing TurtleAlert capable of monitoring multiple nests, developing the device using prototyping materials, and evaluating effectiveness and accuracy of TurtleAlert. The results revealed high effectiveness and accuracy with a Grand Mean of 4.25 that denotes “Excellent” showing the device's high potential for real-world application. The respondents showed high ratings highlighting the TurtleAlert effectiveness and accuracy in predicting and detecting hatchling emergence, which supports sea turtle conservation.