JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – It is officially sea turtle nesting season, which started May 1 and lasts through Oct. 31.
During this period, beachgoers along the shores of North Florida can expect to see three main species of sea turtles: loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles.
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According to the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, Duval County’s beaches see between 80 and 100 nests laid each year. Adult female sea turtles typically lay anywhere from 80 to 120 eggs across three to seven nests each season.
As the nesting season continues, the patrol urges people to follow proper guidelines to ensure the safety of these magnificent creatures.
Kevin Brown, a field supervisor with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, says hatchlings already have a treacherous journey as they make their way to the ocean.
He says that out of all the eggs, only around 1% survive from each nest.
“The state of Florida, as well as Duval County, has enough sea turtles here that we can collect some really good data,” Brown said. “There’s a great conservation effort going on, and that’s why you study the animal. The animal tells you about the ecosystem.”
Brown also shared a crucial message for the community, encouraging people to remember three words: clean, dark and flat.
“We want the beach to be clean—remove all trash and what we call beach armor, like chairs and other items you might leave behind,” Brown said. “Keep the beach clean. Keep it how you found it.”
“Dark” refers to lighting. During nesting season, the patrol wants lights turned off or kept low, since bright lights can disorient sea turtles.
“Flat” refers to the ideal conditions in the sand.
“We see people leaving massive craters and deep holes on the beach,” Brown said. “Both nesting females and emerging hatchlings can get caught in those holes.”
Brown added that the beaches have a “culture” of respect for wildlife, intending to protect the local ecosystem and sea turtles.
“Have fun at the beach!” Brown said. “I want everyone to enjoy it, but please leave it the way you found it.”
