Loggerhead Turtles

Loggerhead sea turtles are a Threatened Species 
The loggerhead sea turtle was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened in 1978. The National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for sea turtles in their marine habitats, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has jurisdiction over their nesting beaches. Both agencies work to protect sea turtles through the ESA. Both federal agencies, and a number of state agencies, have promulgated regulations to eliminate or reduce threats to sea turtles.

Sarasota County has the highest density of loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Florida's west coast.

Environmental contamination 
Coastal runoff, marina and dock construction, dredging, aquaculture, oil and gas exploration and extraction, increased under water noise and boat traffic can degrade marine habitats used by marine turtles. The development of marinas and docks in inshore waters can negatively impact nearshore habitats. Fueling facilities at marinas can sometimes discharge oil, gas, and sewage into sensitive estuarine and coastal habitats. An increase in the number of docks built may also increase boat and vessel traffic. Turtles swimming or feeding at or just beneath the surface of the water are particularly vulnerable to boat and vessel strikes, which can result in serious propeller injuries and death.

Why are Loggerhead sea turtles in trouble?
Loggerheads become entangled or drown in shrimp trawls and other fishing gear. Pollution and marine debris are another threat to sea turtles in the water. In coastal areas where there are many boats, sea turtles are frequently injured and killed by collisions with boats and propellers. On  nesting beaches threats to loggerheads are coastal development, coastal armoring, and beachfront lighting, which leads to the loss of beach habitat for nesting.

What can you do to help sea turtles?
It is possible for anyone to help support sea turtle conservation. You can help participate in beach cleanups or attend a public sea turtle walk. You can do a presentation on turtles for a class to raise awareness, adopt a turtle, or follow a sea turtle telemetry project. Donate to the Mote marine Laboratory. You can help just by remembering not to release balloons or kleave trash or cigarette butts at the beach. You can also help spread the word to your family and friends that sea turtles are an important part of the environment and should be protected.

Source: NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources

Sarasota's Sea Turtle Nesting Season: May 1-Oct. 31
Sarasota County has the highest density of loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Florida's west coast. For five months, female loggerheads crawl up the beach and lay their eggs in the sand. Staff from Sarasota County and Mote Marine Laboratory, along with turtle patrol volunteers, keep a sharp eye and mark the nests with stakes to protect the eggs until they hatch. Because sea turtles are confused by artificial light, it is crucial that shoreline lights be dimmed or turned off during this period. Structures and obstacles left on the beach make it difficult for female loggerheads to find suitable nesting grounds.  

Source: THE OFFICIAL TRAVEL & TOURISM SITE OF THE SARASOTA CONVENTION & VISITOR'S BUREAU

What Can I Do?

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