The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) plays a vital role in protecting sea turtles and shorebirds, requiring tremendous effort and collaboration, especially during nesting seasons. Here’s a look at how they ensure the survival of these incredible creatures:
Sea Turtle Surveys
From April 15 to October, the SCCF conducts sea turtle nest monitoring along 18 miles of beachfront on Sanibel and Captiva. It takes a dedicated team of permanent and seasonal staff, along with 80-90 volunteers, to carry out roughly 180 surveys during the six-month season. In a typical year, over 5,000 volunteer hours are logged to ensure successful nest monitoring.
Shorebird Surveys
The SCCF also has a shorebird team that includes two full-time staff and one seasonal intern. They regularly monitor nesting sites for state-threatened species, including snowy plovers. This year, a large colony of least terns nested on the Causeway Islands, and the team coordinated a stewardship program with 31 volunteers who helped monitor and protect the nests and chicks from May to August.
Nest Relocations & Beach Construction Monitoring
In addition to their regular surveys, SCCF coordinates sea turtle nest relocations in collaboration with the Captiva Erosion Prevention District, especially in anticipation of beach renourishment projects. This year, the relocation effort on Captiva involved a much larger team, including four additional interns. The team also conducted more frequent shorebird surveys to protect nesting species before construction began.
Throughout the nesting season, SCCF also monitors other smaller beach construction projects like dune crossover repairs, plantings, and emergency work after hurricanes, ensuring minimal impact on wildlife.
Research
Beyond monitoring and construction, SCCF conducts important research each season. This year, they tracked five nesting loggerheads with satellite tags to study how water temperature affects their movements. They are also continuing a project to investigate the effects of red tide toxins on the health and survival of hatchlings.
A Coordinated Effort
A successful nesting season depends on meticulous planning, coordination, and hard work from the SCCF team, seasonal employees, and dedicated volunteers. The SCCF’s commitment ensures the protection of our local sea turtles and shorebirds, but they need community support to keep the work going.
How You Can Help
To support the SCCF’s conservation efforts, consider adopting a sea turtle or shorebird through their Species Adoption Program. For more information, visit SCCF Species Adoption Programs.
Together, we can help protect and preserve the natural wonders of Sanibel and Captiva!
