By Janet Nummi
LOGGERHEAD TURTLES RETURN TO THE GULF BEACHES TO NEST
In May, as the warm white sands of the Florida beaches welcome the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, an annual event begins: the nesting season of loggerhead turtles. These magnificent sea turtles, known for their distinctive large heads and powerful jaws, return once again to the shores of their beloved Florida home to continue their age-old ritual of nesting and reproduction.
Nesting season is from May 1-Oct. 31 each year and all seven species of sea turtles that return are either endangered or threatened. Only about one in a thousand hatchlings make it to adulthood, which is why it’s important to make sure they have the best chance to nest, hatch and return safely to the ocean. The loggerhead is the most common sea turtle found in Pinellas County. The most important thing for beachgoers to understand is not to interfere with sea turtles or their nests (which are marked with a small sign and plastic tape around their nests).
During nesting season, limit light that is visible from the beach and turn off lights visible from the beach after sunset. 12 out of 13 Pinellas County barrier island municipalities have light ordinances in place to assist our hatchlings in finding their way to the water. Best lighting practices during nesting season can be found online at www.stpetebeach.org.
Nourishment Projects While the sight of these ancient mariners is a cause for celebration among locals and tourists alike, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable creatures. Local authorities, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens have rallied together to safeguard the nesting sites and minimize human interference during this critical period. During beach nourishment projects, scientists permitted by FWC monitor and relocate sea turtle nests as needed. Further in-depth monitoring of sea turtles and their nests occurs for three years following a nourishment project.
Prior to beach nourishment projects, portions of Sand Key had no dry beach and thus no nesting habitat for marine sea turtles. From 2011 to 2019, the annual number of total nests observed along Pinellas County beaches has risen by more than 400%. Without the habitat provided by periodic nourishment projects, the number of nests laid each year would be much lower. In 2020, the nesting numbers decreased. This decrease was seen across the state of Florida.
Educational Initiatives To raise awareness about the significance of sea turtle conservation, educational programs and guided tours are being offered to residents and visitors alike. These initiatives aim to enlighten the public about the life cycle of loggerhead turtles, the threats they face, and the steps individuals can take to support their survival. If you’re interested in learning more, or would like information about what you can do to help protect the sea turtles, here are some links to organizations making a difference.
- Sea Turtle Conservancy www.helpingseaturtles.org
- Sea Turtle Trackers www.seaturtletrackers.org
- Sea Turtle Protection www.pinellas.gov/sea-turtle-protection
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium www.cmaquarium.org
- Sea Turtle Viewing Opportunities www.myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/where-to-view/
A Call to Action As loggerhead turtles continue to grace the shores of our Gulf beaches with their presence, it is incumbent upon all of us to play a role in their conservation. By respecting nesting areas, reducing light pollution, and disposing of waste responsibly, we can contribute to the preservation of this natural wonder and all the life it sustains. Call the FWC Wildlife Alert number 1-888-404-FWCC to report: stranded hatchlings, harassment of sea turtles, disturbance of nests, dead or injured sea turtles or hatchlings, entangled sea turtles, or sea turtles caught with fishing gear.
