ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLA. — The start of sea turtle nesting season begins on Thursday in Escambia County.
Once the sun rose, volunteers with the Escambia County Sea Turtle Conservation Program went out to Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. They started their first daily morning patrol in search of overnight nesting and other turtle activity.
The optimal time for patrols is at dawn because it provides enough time to observe tracks, nests, and other signs of turtles before they get obscured by wind, wave action, and footsteps.
According to the county, four types of sea turtles lay eggs in Escambia County: the loggerhead and green sea turtles being the most frequent visitors, with the Kemp’s ridley and leatherback following as less common ones. During early summer, female turtles come ashore multiple times throughout one breeding season to deposit their eggs.
During their nesting season, you can also find shorebirds. Among these birds are several species such as the least tern, snowy plover, and black skimmer, which make appearances at nearby beaches throughout the summertime.
According to the county, shorebird nests consist of slight depressions in the sand containing minuscule, camouflaged eggs. These eggs can take up to 30 days to incubate until the small, fluffy chicks emerge. To safeguard their offspring from both predators and the intense Florida sunlight, parents frequently stay seated on the eggs alongside recently hatched chicks.
In the summertime, tourism spikes. This increase in beachgoers might have a substantial effect on sea turtles and other coastal animals.
Keep these points in mind to assist in safeguarding marine life along coastlines.
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- Bright lighting can disrupt nesting sea turtles and confuse both adult turtles and hatchlings on the shore. If you’re at the beach during nighttime, avoid using your cell phone or flashlight. Opt instead for a red-light flashlight or go without any illumination. In beachside residences, make sure to switch off outdoor lights when they aren’t needed and close your window shades and drapes post-sunset.
- Make Sure No Trace Remains: Assist sea turtles by keeping the shores clear of obstacles. Every individual item such as seating arrangements, shelters, parasols, playthings, and aquatic gear needs to be taken off the coastline before dusk daily. Ensure all pits are filled back up and any sand structures leveled out.
- Share the Shoreline: Steer clear of designated nesting zones and refrain from placing your possessions at the periphery of these regions. Refrain from disrupting birds that are taking rest on the sand; should you encounter a nesting sea turtle, maintain a respectful distance. It’s important not to touch sea turtle or shorebird eggs and baby turtles. Canines are permitted solely within specific beach dog park confines and must remain leashed at all times.
Discover additional details about sea turtles and other coastal creatures in Escambia County.
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