Sea Turtle Nests Washed Out by Hurricane Idalia
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported that 114 sea turtle nests were washed out by Hurricane Idalia in August. The storm surge and high winds caused significant erosion to the beaches on Sanibel and Captiva, destroying many of the nests that had been laid by loggerhead and green sea turtles.
The SCCF sea turtle team has concluded its efforts to recover missing nests, and has found 52 nests that survived the storm. These nests are now being monitored closely by the team, to ensure that the eggs hatch and the baby turtles make their way safely to the ocean.
Sea turtle nesting season officially runs through the end of October, and residents are encouraged to continue following turtle-friendly practices such as turning off beach-front lights after dark, filling in holes, leveling sandcastles, and removing trash, furniture, and debris from the beach.
What You Can Do to Help Sea Turtles
There are a number of things that you can do to help sea turtles, both during and after nesting season:
- Turn off beach-front lights after dark. Sea turtles are attracted to light, and can become disoriented and lost if they see lights from shore.
- Fill in holes and level sandcastles before leaving the beach. Holes and sandcastles can create obstacles for sea turtles and their hatchlings.
- Remove trash, furniture, and debris from the beach. Trash can entangle sea turtles and their hatchlings, and can also pollute the ocean.
- Support sea turtle conservation organizations. Organizations like the SCCF are working to protect sea turtles and their habitat. You can support their work by donating, volunteering, or becoming a member.
By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that sea turtles continue to nest and thrive on Sanibel and Captiva.
