By Nanette Wiser
MIGHTY MOTE Mote and the University of Maryland have been awarded a federal grant to establish the U.S. HAB Control Technologies Incubator, a nationwide clearinghouse for mitigation research related to controlling harmful algae blooms in both freshwater and saltwater environments. “Overall harmful algal blooms frequency has been increasing a tremendous amount over past five years due to climate change, increasing temperatures, and legacy nutrients,” said UMCES Professor Al Place.
THE COUNT IS IN! In November, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced the total number of nests across all species of sea turtles they recorded during this year’s nesting period: 4,538 nests were recorded, including 4,373 loggerhead sea turtle nests, 163 green sea turtle nests, one Kemp’s Ridley nest and one leatherback nest. Sea turtle nesting season runs March-October. The eggs incubate for about 60 days, depending on conditions, before hatching. Sea turtles hatch in the late summer and fall months in Florida. This means you might see a swarm of infant turtles fighting their way to the sea between August and October. (If you see a sick, injured, or stranded sea turtle in Pinellas County, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.)
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists promotes awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens and visitors. They offer nature-related quarterly programs for adults and families, field trips for members and guests, and support FMNP by educating potential students about the upcoming classes at environmental booth events and festivals throughout the year. In 2022, they explored Brooker Creek and Blue Cypress Lake, took a tour of the Tampa History Museum, and visited Cedar Key Biological Station to learn more about horseshoe crabs and the living shoreline restoration project. It’s a great eco-friendly gift to join or donate. www.pinellasmasternaturalists.org
HOLIDAY RECYCLING TIPS Between Thanksgiving week and New Year’s Day, people generate 25 percent more waste. Do your part to recycle or reuse this holiday. The Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste reminds you these items CAN be placed in your recycling bin: Wrapping paper (paper only), cardboard boxes, paper boxes, paper cards and envelopes, catalogs, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum, tin, and steel cans. These items should NOT be put your recycling bin; consider reusing, donating, or throwing in the garbage: Christmas lights, garland/tinsel, foil wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, bubble wrap, plastic air pillows, foam products, paper/plastic plates, batteries, and plastic bags
(which can be recycled at Publix locations).