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Five species of sea turtle nest along Florida beaches, including leatherbacks, green sea turtles, loggerheads, Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill.
After the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported several sea turtle nests being disturbed, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is reminding both Pinellas County residents and visitors to take care.
Sea turtle nesting season, which runs through Oct. 31, is a critical time for sea turtles.
- Pick up your trash, especially plastic bags, which can be mistaken for jellyfish, one of turtles’ favorite foods.
- Fill any holes dug during your stay on the beach so mothers and hatchlings don’t fall in and become trapped.
- Knock down sand castles at the end of the day. A hatchling encountering an obstacle may become confused and head the wrong way.
- Hatchling sea turtles are very sensitive and should not be disturbed.
- If you see a turtle on the beach, do not interact with it.
- Never touch or disturb a nest. Turtle watchers around the state generally rope off any turtle nests they find and post a sign warning beach goers to stay away. If a beach goer finds a nest that hasn’t yet been flagged, he or she should contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922).
- Keep flashlights and camera phone lights turned off at night.
- Beach residents and businesses should change outdoor lights to sea turtle-friendly options.
- Use special protective window treatments on doors and windows to minimize interior light from reaching the beach.
- If you see an injured turtle, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922.
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