May 1, 2021​​

Turtle Nesting Season has Begun!

Today marks the first day of the 2021 Turtle Nesting Season for the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol! Mama turtles are beginning to come to shore to lay their eggs on our beaches. During this time our trained volunteers patrol the beach each morning to look for turtle crawls, tracks left in the sand by mama turtles as they make their way up the beach to lay their eggs. By studying the tracks volunteers can determine what species of turtle made the crawl, what direction they were traveling to/from the ocean, if obstacles were present in the turtle's path, if eggs were laid, the latitude/longitude of the nest, and much more! 
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4/21/2021 Leatherback nest laid in Ormond Beach, FL
 If mama turtles have laid eggs, volunteers mark the nests with wooden stakes and colored ribbons so that the area remains undisturbed by visitors to the beach. The nesting data collected by volunteers becomes part of the state-wide picture of turtle activity and is used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to look at population trends and make decisions about how to proceed with conservation efforts, beach development, and sea turtle policies. We look forward to seeing you (and the turtles) out there this season!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol

Tips for Sharing our Beaches with Sea Turtles

  • ​Leave the beach the way you found it. Mama turtles can get trapped/injured in lawn chairs or stuck in holes dug on the beach. When leaving, remove obstacles that could get in their way by taking everything with you when you leave, filling in holes and knocking down sandcastles.
  • Pick up your trash. Mama turtles may think your plastic bag is a yummy jellyfish and eat it, making her sick or killing her. Look around before you leave and place your trash in recycle/trash bins.
  • Lights out. Lighting along A1A, beach bonfires and flashlights can confuse mama turtles, discouraging them from coming ashore to lay their eggs. If they are already on shore, they may become disoriented or be frightened away.
  • Do not disturb nesting females. If you see a turtle coming ashore to nest, do not approach! Give her space and don't make loud noises or quick movements. If she gets scared and returns to the ocean, she may dump her eggs in the sea and the baby turtles will perish.
2021 Turtle Fest T-Shirts
AVAILABLE NOW!
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Questions? Email us at VolusiaTurtlePatrol@gmail.com
​T-Shirt purchases provide funding to the non-profit turtle patrols ​and show your support for the protection of endangered species!
​Available in sizes:
Small, Medium, Large (front print only)
​XL (back or front print)
$15 +shipping!
​Available in sizes:
Small, Medium, Large (front print only)
​XL (back or front print)
$15 +shipping!

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.