Washback Season

September 1, 2020
August through November is Washback Season. When baby sea turtles hatch and emerge from their nests, they head for the ocean and swim toward the Sargasso Sea. There they find food and shelter from predators among the sargassum seaweed. They live among the seaweed for the first few years of their lives as they strengthen and grow. When storms and strong winds occur, clumps of seaweed may be “washed back” from the Sargasso Sea to our beaches. The young, post-hatchling, sea turtles (weeks to months old) that end up back on the beach among the seaweed are called “washbacks.” They are often found in the wrack (the line of seaweed, seagrass and driftwood that collects on the beach). While your first instinct may be to place the small sea turtles back in the water, that’s not the best way to help them. They may be weak, exhausted or dehydrated and in need of medical care. If you find a washback, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). To learn more about washbacks, click here to read Volusia County's "Seaweed Secrets Solve."
​~Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Tour de Turtles
You’ve probably heard of the Tour de France, but have you heard of the Tour de Turtles? Each year around the beginning of August, turtles are fitted with tracking devices and released from their nesting beaches around the world in a “migration marathon.” The devices monitor their locations for approximately three months, giving researchers valuable information on how far they travel and where they go. You can learn about each of the turtles (including several released from Florida’s beaches), see who’s in the lead for distance, follow the People’s Choice (determined by adoptions and tweets), and explore the site’s educational materials and games. Head over to www.TourDeTurtles.org to check it!

Florida Sea Turtles

There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped. 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.