Martin County is home to many incredible species, including sea turtles, who lay their eggs on our beaches. All five Florida species are listed as either endangered or threatened and the federal Endangered Species Act lists the green, leatherback, hawksbill, and Kemp's ridley turtle as endangered. The loggerhead is listed as threatened.
So far this year, Ecological Associates Inc has documented 567 loggerhead nests and 311 leatherback nests on area beaches.
Artificial lighting, trash and disruption of nesting turtles can negatively impact these beautiful creatures. If you see a sea turtle nesting:
- Stay behind her, keep your distance and remain quiet
- Don’t use any lights, flash photography or video equipment
- Do not touch the turtle or go near it. Any distractions might frighten her, causing her to return to the ocean before covering her nest
Learn more at myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/florida/faq/
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up