ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring have found and marked the first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the season on the Island.
“We are excited to start the nesting season on Anna Maria Island and look forward to a productive season protecting nests and educating the public,” Turtle Watch Executive Director Kristen Mazzarella said in a statement.
Under a directive from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Turtle Watch volunteers began patrolling local beaches on April 15, although the official start of sea turtle nesting season is May 1.
Beginning early in the morning, volunteers monitor beaches daily for sea turtle activity.
Turtle Watch breaks down nesting data into three geographical sections. The first is from the Longboat Key Bridge north to Manatee Beach, the second is from Manatee Beach north to Bean Point, and the third covers bayside beaches.
Turtle Watch reminds residents and visitors of the following dos and don’ts:
DO:
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach and close drapes after dark;
• Remove all beach furniture and toys from the beach at night;
• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles that may impede hatchlings on their way to the water;
• Place trash in its proper place;
• Keep your distance from posted nest sites;
• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance;
• Call AMITW at 941-301-8434 or FWC at 888-404-3922 if you find a turtle (adult or hatchling) in distress; and
• Notify local law enforcement if you see anyone disturbing a turtle, hatchlings or nest site.
DO NOT:
• Use flashlights, cellphones, flash photography or fishing lamps on the beach;
• Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged;
• Use fireworks on the beach; or
• Approach nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
For more information on ways to help protect sea turtles, visit islandturtlewatch.com.
