Sea turtle nesting season returns to Tampa Bay beaches
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A marked-off sea turtle nest. Photo: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Friday marks the first day of turtle nesting season in Tampa Bay — that time of year when our beaches become runways for newborn hatchlings making their daring escapes into the sea.
Why it matters: Local governments are enforcing rules against bright lights near the beach and protecting nests, and turtle lovers are watching.
- Concerns over sea turtle welfare were among those raised by environmentalists about a country music festival planned for St. Pete Beach and a proposed film shoot at Fort De Soto Park.
- Country Thunder Florida relocated off the beach, and producers of the TV Adaptation of "A Land Remembered" backed out of the shoot.
How it works: Hundreds of nests are laid each year on Pinellas County beaches. They're marked off with stakes, neon tape and a sign advising the public to stay away.
- The area's most common nester is the loggerhead sea turtle, but occasionally green and Kemp's ridley — the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species in the world — make appearances.
- And last year, Clearwater Marine Aquarium patrollers documented the county's first leatherback nest.
- During the season, biologists with the aquarium check for turtle nests every day across 21 miles from Caladesi Island to Treasure Island. Sea Turtle Trackers monitors St. Pete Beach, Shell Key Preserve and Outback Key off Fort De Soto.
Stunning stat: Each nest will have about 100 hatchlings that make their way to the ocean.
- One out of 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.
Threat level: Artificial light can disorient nesting adults and hatchlings, who may mistake it for the moon's reflection on the ocean.
- The FWC encourages those living along or visiting the beach to turn off porch, parking or deck lights when not in use and close curtains after dark.
- Holes in the sand, such as those made while building sandcastles, and furniture left on the beach overnight can also act as obstacles for hatchlings trying to make it to the water.
- If you see a nesting sea turtle or hatchling, keep your distance, keep all lights off and report any emergencies to FWC. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium also has a rescue hotline at 727-441-1790 ext. 1.
How to watch: The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will offer ridealongs with turtle patrollers starting May 4 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Tickets are $99.95 per person.
What's next: The season runs through Oct. 31.