Second graders support sea turtles… 1,001 percent!
Sea turtle conservation and research just got a boost, thanks to a dedicated group of elementary school students from Manatee County, Florida.
About 120 second graders from Braden River Elementary School raised and donated $1,001 to Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, presenting the donation during their Mote field trip on April 18 — just in time for sea turtle nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31.
“The students ran or walked each morning in March during their fundraiser called ‘Get Moving for Mote,’ and they sold popcorn in April during their ‘Munch for Mote,” said Lorraine Moxham-Smith, second-grade teacher at Braden River Elementary School. “They made posters about this project and practiced persuasive writing on why people should help sea turtles.”
“They need help — they can go the wrong way if we shine lights on the beach,” said second grader Riley Duncan, describing how sea turtles can be dangerously disoriented by artificial light visible from their nesting beaches.
Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program monitors 35 miles of sea turtle nesting beaches, from Longboat Key through Venice, each day of nesting season. Now the Program is entering its 36th year of monitoring, studying and protecting sea turtles. Program scientists and trained volunteers report nesting activity and collect a variety of data to support a better understanding of sea turtle population trends. They also educate the public about how to keep beaches turtle-friendly. Mote, a nonprofit, carries out its research and conservation thanks to support from its communities.
“The kids loved doing this,” Moxham-Smith said. “We’re really happy with their work. It’s important to us that they learn to do this kind of outreach and become better citizens.”
Just before they joined their classmates to explore the shallows of Sarasota Bay with dip nets — part of their field trip at Mote — Riley and her classmate Emily Hatch were asked what they want to do when they grow up.
The quick, unanimous answer: “Work here.”
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Tips for sea turtle nesting season, May 1-Oct. 31 in southwest Florida
Do:
- If you encounter a nesting turtle, 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 put beach furniture far back from the water.
- Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water.
- Place trash in its proper place.
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.
Sea turtles are protected under federal law and any harassment or interference with a sea turtle, living or dead, is subject to penalty. If you witness anyone disturbing a turtle or find an injured or disoriented hatchling or adult, please notify agents with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), the local sheriff’s department, and/or Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Program at 388-4331. If you find a dead or injured sea turtle contact Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 888-345-2335.