Rare White Sea Turtle found during
Hatch Success Evaluation

On September 23, 2021 while performing a hatch success evaluation on a Green Sea Turtle nest in Ormond-by-the Sea, Florida, a rare white sea turtle hatchling was discovered. The white color is caused by a condition called Leucism which is the partial lack of pigmentation present during development. The term comes from the greek work "leukos" which means white. Leucism is different than albinism in that albinism is the complete absence of pigment. Albino animals have pink eyes and no pigment, while animals with leucism (like our turtle) have dark eyes and a slight pigment. 

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We are a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. Please consider making a donation to help us achieve our mission of protecting Sea Turtles.

​At the present time, donations can be made by mail. Click HERE for a printable (PDF) donation form.
September 1, 2021​​

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

This month, rather than explain what we've been up to in words, we thought we'd share some photographs taken by our wonderful volunteers over the past month (August 2021). Here's what's been keeping us busy each morning on patrol...
​~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
#1 - New Nests & False Crawls
 Mama turtles continue to come to our beaches to lay their eggs. Some lay eggs, others return to the sea without doing so.
#2 - Emergences
 Hatchlings emerge from their nests and make their way out to sea. You can see their tracks leading from the nest to the ocean. 
#3 - Nest Evaluations
Several days after hatchlings emerge ​we perform a
​Nest Evaluation to determine the success of the nest.
#4 - Hatchlings
 Occasionally we find hatchlings that did not
​make their way ​to the ocean with their siblings.
#5 - Hatching Releases
If the hatchlings we find are strong enough to be released, we point them towards the ocean and ensure that they get there safely. If they are weak/injured we bring them to the Marine Science Center (MSC) for evaluation and rehabilitation.
#6 - And More...
You never know what an early morning ride on the beach will bring. In this photo, one of our volunteers is rescuing an injured juvenile Brown Pelican. The pelican was transported to the MSC for evaluation and rehabilitation.

Washback Season Continues

August through November is Washback Season. When storms and strong winds occur, clumps of seaweed from the Sargasso Sea are “washed back” to our beaches. Young, post-hatchling, sea turtles (weeks to months old) that get carried back to the beach amongst the seaweed are called “washbacks.” While your first instinct may be to place them 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 attention. If you find a washback, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at ​1-800-404-FWCC (3922).

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.