Sea Turtle Nesting Season Underway In FL: What To Know

FLORIDA — Sea turtle nesting is underway in Florida and state leaders and conservationists are asking residents and beach visitors to be cautious along the coasts and to help the nesting animals whenever possible.

In Pinellas County alone, at least 178 sea turtles were disoriented by lights or obstacles during the last nesting season, a news release from the county said.

While sea turtle nesting season technically starts May 1, running through Oct. 31, many organizations and groups begin monitoring state beaches in April.

In Sarasota County, Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program found the region’s first sea turtle nest of the season — a nest laid by a loggerhead sea turtle, a threatened species protected under federal law — on Monday, a news release from the organization said.

“Even though sea turtle nesting season isn’t officially supposed to start until May 1, we like to be prepared and patrol early to make sure we catch the first signs of nesting on our beaches,” Melissa Macksey, senior biologist and conservation manager, said. “Our enthusiastic volunteers and interns make patrolling 35 miles of beaches possible. We could not do it without them. They are the reason we were able to catch this early nest.”

In addition to loggerhead turtles, Kemp’s Ridley turtles that are frequently seen nesting in parts of the state are also endangered and threatened and protected under state and federal law.

There are a number of factors that work against nesting sea turtles: loss of nesting habitat, predators on land and at sea, and artificial lights that make it harder for hatchlings to navigate their way to the sea, Florida State Parks said.

“Now that we have identified the first nest of the season, we implore beachgoers to be conscious of the sea turtles while enjoying Florida’s unparalleled beaches,” Macksey said. “There are many simple ways to help protect sea turtles and their nests. Hatchlings will have a better chance at surviving if everyone does their part.”

• Turn off outside lights, draw drapes, and avoid using flashlights, fishing lamps, or photo equipment with a flash on the beach. Hatchlings use starlight and moonlight reflecting off the water to find their way to the ocean and they can become misled by artificial light.
• Remove obstacles such as sandcastles or sand pits that may make it too difficult for hatchlings to make their way to the shoreline.
• Properly dispose of food items.
• Keep the beach clean. Remove trash items that may entangle baby hatchlings and adult turtles.
• Don’t pick up hatchlings heading toward the water.
• Keep obstacles, such as beach furniture, off the beach during nesting season.
• Participate in beach cleanup events.
• Buy a turtle license plate to raise money for the protection of sea turtles.

To report turtle tracks and possible nests, disturbances of nests, or sightings of turtles that are dead, lost, stranded, or wandering in the street, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’ law enforcement division at 888-404-3922 or online here.