Sea Turtle Nesting

Sea Turtle Nesting Update:    (Posted 10-5-06)

Total nests/false crawls 2006*:  

Location                                        2006                    2005

 

Longboat (Manatee)                         71/83                76/104

Longboat (Sarasota)                         87/76                 75/88

Lido                                               24/35                  27/25

Siesta                                           117/78               154/198

Casey                                          432/304               493/577

Venice                                         174/110               195/232

 

*Nesting numbers are preliminary until finalized at the end of the year. 

Turtle nesting season along Florida beaches begins May 1 and ends Oct. 31.
Here are some dos and don’ts that people can remember to help clear the way for nesting turtles:

Do:

•  If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
• Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
• Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
• Place trash in its proper place

Do Not:

• Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
• Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water
  
• Use fireworks on the beach

Sea turtles are protected under federal law and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle, living or dead, is subject to penalty. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 388-4331. If you find a dead or injured sea turtle contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 988-0212.

Previous Sea Turtle Reports:

Tropical Storm Alberto Update (posted 6-16-06) 

The following chart gives a breakdown of the total number of nests, number of affected nests (either washed completely away or washed over but still may hatch) and percentage affected as of 6-15-06.

Location           Total Nests      Nests Affected by Alberto          Percentage Affected

Longboat Key         21                         17                                        80%

Lido Beach             2                           2                                        100%

Siesta Key             32                         29                                         91%

Casey Key             129                        95                                        76%

Venice Beach          46                         24                                        52%