Tamarac, Florida – March 1 marks the official start of the sea turtle nesting season. This period, extending until October 31, is when Broward County’s beaches are set to see thousands of sea turtle hatchlings make their journey from the sandy shores into the vast Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity.
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Record-Breaking Nesting in Broward County
In the previous year, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) documented an unprecedented 4,785 nests along the 24-mile coastline, including the area within the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. This achievement set a new record not just for the total number of nests but also for the individual species counts, underscoring the success of conservation efforts in the region. Among the world’s seven sea turtle species, leatherbacks, loggerheads, and green turtles are the ones typically nesting on Broward’s beaches. Remarkably, the local nesting populations of these turtles have shown significant growth since the BCSTCP began its monitoring activities in 1981.
The BCSTCP conducts daily monitoring of Broward County’s beaches, excluding the state park area, from March 1 through October 31, to track sea turtle activity. Each discovered nest is carefully marked with colorful flagging tape and stakes to protect it from disturbance. It’s crucial for the public to remember that disturbing sea turtles or their nests is illegal and punishable by law.
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How the Public Can Assist
The residents and visitors of Broward County play an important role in ensuring the continued success and safety of sea turtle nesting. Here are some tips to follow:
- Stash the Trash: Leaving the beach clean by picking up all litter helps prevent potential hazards for sea turtles.
- Stow All Furniture: To avoid the entanglement of nesting sea turtles, beach furniture should be removed from the beach at day’s end.
- Do Not Disturb: Observing nesting sea turtles or hatchlings should be done from a distance, without the use of flashlights or taking photos.
- Leave No Trace: Sandcastles and holes can create obstacles for sea turtles. It’s best to flatten sandcastles and fill in holes before departing the beach.
- Sea Turtles Dig the Dark: Bright lights can disorient hatchling sea turtles. Opting for turtle-friendly shielded amber lights can make a significant difference.
For updates on turtle nesting throughout the season and other environmental news, the public is encouraged to follow Broward County Environment on Facebook and @BrowardEnv on X and Instagram. Through community involvement and adherence to these guidelines, Broward County can look forward to another successful sea turtle nesting season.
