green turtle nests in 2013.”
Typically, sea turtle nesting season runs
from March through the end of October, but
nesting continued well beyond that in 2013.
Green turtles generally nest later than the
other sea turtle species in Florida. FWC
biologists would not be surprised if
nesting season extends later into
the fall again this year, and
they caution beachgoers
that marked nests on the
beach may hatch well
past the official end
of nesting season in
October.
“The actions that
people
take
are
critical to maintaining
Florida’s success with
sea turtles,” Trindell
said. “Remove chairs,
canopies, boats and other
items from the beach at
night, because they block
the movement of turtles and
hatchlings. Don’t forget to turn off
or shield lights on the beach to prevent
hatchlings from getting confused and going
toward land instead of the salt water where
they belong.”
In Florida, sea turtle landings on the beach
are documented by volunteers, who assist
the FWC’s researchers. About 2,500 FWCpermitted volunteers regularly patrol
more than 800 miles of sandy shoreline to
identify, mark and protect sea turtle nests.
They collect nesting data and also share
their knowledge with beachgoers on how
to help conserve sea turtles.
Support Florida’s sea turtles by purchasing
the “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license
tag at www.BuyaPlate.com. Tag funds are
spent on sea turtle research, rescue and
conservation efforts. People also can donate
$5 and receive an FWC sea turtle decal.
Learn more about our local sea turtles at
www.MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle
THE SAND DOLLAR | 20