Mote reminds public to report sea turtle nests, hatchlings in need
(Photo: A rescued sea turtle hatchling in the Hatchling Hospital at Mote.)
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With the recent stormy weather in Southwest Florida, Mote Marine Lab has responded to reports of storm-damaged sea turtle nests and hatchlings washing ashore in Longboat Key through Venice, where Mote monitors sea turtle nesting activity each day of nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31.
The weather has calmed, but throughout nesting season it is important for the public to call for expert advice and assistance if nests or hatchlings need help.
So far this season, Mote has rescued or received about 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings, and about 300 remain in the Hatchling Hospital in the public Mote Aquarium. The Hatchling Hospital provides food, care and rest to help hatchlings recover their strength before being returned to the wild. On Saturday, Aug. 8, Mote's hospital received about 150 hatchlings — an unusually high number.
Many of these hatchlings had left the nesting beach and entered the ocean but then washed back ashore, where beachgoers found them. The reason for these "washbacks" is not fully understood, but storms and winds can play a role.
If you have a question about storm impacts or other issues with sea turtle nests, nesting turtles or hatchlings from Longboat Key through Venice, please call Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at 941-388-4331.
Mote has a Marine Turtle Permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with sea turtles, threatened and endangered species protected by state and federal law. Only those holding appropriate permits may touch or handle sea turtles, their eggs or nest sites. The decision of whether to relocate a sea turtle nest due to storms depends on many factors, and Mote staff are qualified and happy to assess the situation and act in the best interest of sea turtle conservation and in compliance with wildlife regulations.
If you see sea turtle hatchlings being washed ashore, please call Mote's sea turtle program at 941-388-4331 for instructions. Please do not put hatchlings in any water or return them to the ocean. Place them in a bucket with some sand and cover them with a towel and keep them in a dark, cool place without air conditioning. If you call after hours, then Mote's automated message system will let you know what to do. Please listen to it carefully.
Here are other turtle-friendly tips:
Do:
- If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
- Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October.
- Close drapes after dark and stack beach furniture at the dune line or, ideally, remove it from the beach.
- Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water.
Do Not:
- Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise or shine lights at turtles.
- Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach.
- Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water.
- Use fireworks on the beach.