ANNA MARIA ISLAND – On a daily patrol last week, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers were shocked and saddened to find multiple turtle nests that had been trampled on and run over with vehicles.
On its Facebook page, Turtle Watch posted photos of tire tracks and footprints through multiple nests with marker stakes broken and on the ground.
Vehicles are illegal on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
“We’d like to remind everyone that tampering with, disturbing or harassing any nest, adult or hatchling sea turtle is a federal offense punishable by a fine and/or jail time,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said.
Disturbances to nests have the potential to impact their success, she said.
“We don’t know if any of the eggs were broken,” Mazzarella said. “We’ll find that out later in the season.”
Turtle Watch volunteers spent the morning of July 11 reposting nest stakes and documenting disturbances to at least four nests in undisclosed locations in Anna Maria and Holmes Beach.
This is the second time in a week that Turtle Watch volunteers found damaged nests, although Mazzarella said the prior incidents were likely not malicious and due to carelessness.
Mazzarella said multiple issues with nests following the Fourth of July holiday included people knocking over stakes, tearing marker tape, walking across nests, digging in the sand close to nests and putting up tents in nesting areas.
Turtle nests on local beaches are clearly marked with yellow numbered stakes and pink caution tape.
Turtle nesting season runs from May through October.
“I’d like to remind people, if you see something, say something,” Mazzarella said.
Report wildlife violations to the FWC. If your information results in an arrest or citation, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. You can report four ways:
• “FWC Wildlife Alert” app (download from Google Play or Apple Store)
• Text 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation
• Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922)
• Submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert
If you see a nesting turtle or hatchling in distress, call Turtle Watch at 941-301-8434.
