The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced today that its staff has had a record number of nighttime sea turtle encounters on Sanibel as of August 11, 2023. In total, SCCF staff have logged 406 nighttime turtle encounters this year, surpassing the previous record of 387 encounters set in 2021.
The increase in nighttime turtle encounters is likely due to a number of factors, including the warmer weather, which encourages sea turtles to nest earlier in the season. Additionally, the SCCF has been working to increase public awareness of sea turtle nesting and to encourage people to report turtle sightings.
“We are thrilled to see such an increase in nighttime turtle encounters,” said SCCF Executive Director Dan Brown. “This is a sign that our conservation efforts are working and that we are helping to protect sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva.”
SCCF staff use a variety of methods to track sea turtle nesting activity, including nighttime patrols, aerial surveys, and citizen science programs. When SCCF staff encounter a sea turtle nesting on the beach, they take a number of steps to protect the turtle and its eggs, including:
- Placing a protective fence around the nest to deter predators
- Marking the nest with a flag so that it can be easily identified
- Monitoring the nest for signs of hatching
Once the eggs hatch, SCCF staff help the hatchlings safely make their way to the ocean.
The SCCF is committed to protecting sea turtles on Sanibel and Captiva. By increasing public awareness and working to protect sea turtle nesting sites, the SCCF is helping to ensure the future of these amazing creatures.
If you see a sea turtle nesting on the beach, please report it to the SCCF by calling 239-472-2329. Your report can help SCCF staff protect the turtle and its eggs.
