Video above: 40-year study gives Mote researchers insight on sea turtle populations

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Patrol documented its first nest of the 2024 season Sunday.

Sea turtle nesting season begins May 1, but it’s not unusual to see some early arrivals on Sarasota County beaches.

“Even though sea turtle nesting season isn’t officially supposed to start until May 1, we like to be prepared and patrol early to make sure we catch the first signs of nesting on our beaches,” Melissa Macksey, senior biologist and conservation manager of STCRP, said in a statement. “Our enthusiastic volunteers and interns make patrolling 35 miles of beaches possible. We could not do it without them. They are the reason we were able to catch this early nest.” 

The Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program includes over 300 volunteers who monitor 35 miles of local beaches from April 15 to Oct. 31. They mark the nests with tape and signs indicating that it’s a sea turtle nest, reminding beachgoers that it’s illegal to disturb it.

Mote’s first nest came from a loggerhead sea turtle, which are the most common sea turtles to nest along southwest Florida beaches, followed by endangered green sea turtles and the rare Kemp’s ridley turtle.

“Now that we have identified the first nest of the season, we implore beachgoers to be conscious of the sea turtles while enjoying Florida’s unparalleled beaches,” Macksey said. “There are many simple ways to help protect sea turtles and their nests. Hatchlings will have a better chance at surviving if everyone does their part.” 

Anyone who spots a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle, dolphin, or whale in Sarasota or Manatee County is asked contact Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program at (888)-345-2335. Outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (888)-404-FWCC (3922).