Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program
For 28 years, the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program has coordinated conservation efforts along 35 miles of Sarasota County shoreline. The program includes staff, interns and volunteers who have documented the status of shoreline habitat and trends in sea turtle nesting over the years. These data show that nesting by loggerhead turtles has declined in recent years, while green turtle nesting, although very low in numbers, has increased. Nest predation by both natural and non-indigenous predators has increased during the same time period.
Studies of nesting turtles are conducted each summer to document reproductive behaviors and nesting intervals. Turtles are marked with external flipper tags and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. The nocturnal study of nesting turtles provides data on the activity, distribution and movement of turtles on the nesting beach and aids in the assessment of suitable nesting habitats. In-water capture, documentation and release of turtles provides valuable information on the population of turtles remaining year-round in central Gulf coast waters. The resulting population assessment of adult and juvenile sea turtles in the coastal and estuarine waters provide additional data on this critical life stage and aid in the management and conservation of sea turtles along Florida's central Gulf coast. (Tony Tucker, Ph.D. - Program Manager).
Sea Turtle Program - areas of investigation
Internships- Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program
Volunteering- Sea Turtle Patrol
Sarasota County Historical Nesting Data and recent weekly updates
Loggerheads of Casey Key 2005-2006- satellite tracking
Loggerheads of Casey Key 2007- satellite tracking
Loggerheads of Casey Key 2008- satellite tracking
Loggerheads of Casey Key 2009- satellite tracking
Rehabilitated male loggerheads- satellite tracking
Interested in following nesting female turtles this summer? Click here to "Shell Out a Name" in the annual contest to name sea turtles Mote will study in the upcoming nesting season.
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
