All of Mama Turtles' hard work is paying off! Nests that were laid a few months ago are now hatching. Little baby turtles are emerging from their nests and making their way to the ocean to start their journey out to the Sargasso Sea where they'll find food and shelter from predators in the coming years.
So what are WE doing this month? Morning turtle patrol is still busy marking off new nests as mama turtles continue to come to shore. We're checking to ensure that stakes and ribbons already in place are in tact and fixing/replacing them if they've been damaged either by storms or, sadly, people. And, after nests emerge, we're evaluating them for their success.
While we're on the subject of hatchlings, this is a great time to say "Thank You" to our Nest Adopters! After your nest hatches, you'll receive a report about the success of your nest. You may also be contacted to watch us evaluate your nest once it's hatched. Want to join in on the fun? Check out our How Can I Help? page for information on how to adopt a nest. (Note: adoption forms received after August 15 will be fulfilled the following nesting season.)
And, on a final note... we want to thank everyone for their interest in Sea Turtles. We love it as you wave and cheer us on during morning patrols. Please be mindful to let nature take its course and be respectful of nesting and hatching turtles. Keep a good distance and look, but don't touch. Staked/ribboned areas are off limits to non-permitted individuals, even after the nest has emerged so that we can do nest evaluations and contribute to the sea turtle conservation effort. As this year's record nesting numbers can attest, our efforts, just like mama turtles' efforts, are paying off! ~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
If you come across a nesting sea turtle on our beaches, please keep your distance and do not disturb her. She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.
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.