The juvenile sea turtle thrives in Sarasota Bay's back bay waters, finding the perfect environment to grow, feed, and stay safe until they pass their genes to the next generation. These waters provide crucial habitat, offering the resources and protection young loggerheads need during their early years.
Thousands of loggerhead sea turtles nest yearly on southwest Florida beaches, with Sarasota County hosting the highest density of nests in the Gulf of Mexico. This incredible annual event is closely monitored by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, whose dedicated work is instrumental in ensuring the protection and survival of loggerhead sea turtles. They need your support to continue this vital mission.
Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program Weekly Sea Turtle Counts
From May 1 to October 31, you can witness the sea turtle nesting season. During the first half of the season, female sea turtles come ashore to build their nests and lay their eggs. Typically, baby sea turtles start hatching in July and return to the Gulf of Mexico. Visit weekly from May 1 to see preliminary counts of new nests on Longboat Key through Venice, Florida. A final count will be posted after Oct. 31.
Learn more about the 2024 sea turtle nesting season.
Share the Sand
As a beach lover, you play a unique and crucial role in the success of local sea turtle nesting. Your actions can directly impact the survival of these magnificent creatures. For this reason, we ask you to follow these dos and don'ts:
- Steer Clear of Nests: Avoid marked nesting sites with wooden stakes and caution tape.
- Keep Your Distance: Observe nesting turtles or hatchlings from afar. "[Sea turtles] are a protected species, so it's illegal to interact with them in any way," says Melissa Bernhard, senior biologist at Mote.
- Avoid Photography: Flash or bright lights can disorient turtles.
- Clean Up: Remove beach furniture, toys, and trash. Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles.
By adhering to these guidelines, you are directly contributing to the survival and thriving of loggerhead sea turtles. Your actions matter, and we thank you for sharing the sand and supporting sea turtle conservation efforts.
