Author: LeAneSUAREZGroup

Tarpon Bay Explorers (TBE), the official concession for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, is expanding its operations and introducing a new Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour for the season.

From Feb. 14 through April, TBE will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with rentals closing at 3 p.m.

Expanded Tour Offerings

• Kayak Tours will run multiple times per day, with schedules based on tide levels.
• Tram Tours will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Bike rentals are available daily, and fishing charters are offered throughout the week.

New: Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour

Launching this season, the Sunset Rookery Paddle Tour offers guests the chance to witness birds returning to the Rookery Islands as the sun sets over the mangroves.

• Tour Length: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Distance: 3 to 4 miles
• Kayaking experience is required
• Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (departure times adjust based on sunset)

Additional Offerings

TBE also rents kayaks and Hobie fishing kayaks for those looking to explore at their own pace.

Reservations are required or recommended, depending on the activity.

For reservations or more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com or call 239-472-8900.

Tarpon Bay Explorers is located at 900 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel.

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has reported a significant decrease in sea turtle strandings on Sanibel and Captiva in 2024, marking the lowest count in 15 years. Alongside its daily nesting surveys from April through October, SCCF actively responds to and documents all sea turtle strandings on the islands.

“Sea turtle strandings consist of both dead and live turtles, with the latter usually stranded due to an injury, illness, or other debilitating condition,” explained SCCF sea turtle biologist Jack Brzoza.

In 2024, SCCF recorded 17 total strandings, including two live turtles—a green sea turtle and a loggerhead—both of which were transported to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for rehabilitation. The remaining 15 strandings involved deceased turtles: 10 loggerheads, two green turtles, and two Kemp’s ridleys.

This count is well below the 15-year average of 33 annual strandings, excluding 2018, when a severe red tide event caused an unusually high number of cases.

Responding to Strandings

For live strandings, SCCF coordinates rescues and transport to nearby rehabilitation facilities, depending on the turtle’s condition and available resources. Deceased turtles undergo a full external examination before being removed and buried off-site in partnership with the city of Sanibel.

Some deceased turtles are also selected for necropsies or sample collection as part of research projects, conducted by either SCCF or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists.

“Stranding response plays a crucial role in sea turtle conservation,” Brzoza emphasized. “Tracking these events helps local, state, and national agencies monitor mortality trends, identify emerging threats, and shape conservation strategies.”

Cold-Stunning Events in Winter

During winter, some strandings are linked to cold-stunning events, where turtles become lethargic due to prolonged exposure to frigid water temperatures. Since sea turtles are ectotherms (cold-blooded), they rely on their surroundings—like water temperature and sunlight—to regulate body heat. When water temperatures drop below 50°F, turtles risk becoming cold-stunned and may float lifelessly at the surface or wash ashore.

In severe cases, turtles require rehabilitation and veterinary care to recover from cold-induced internal conditions. The 2010 cold-stunning event in Florida saw a mass rescue effort, with SCCF and conservation partners aiding in saving numerous affected turtles across Southwest Florida.

So far in 2025, SCCF has documented two strandings, both deceased.

Ongoing Conservation Efforts

Sea turtle monitoring and stranding response remain essential to understanding mortality trends and protecting sea turtle populations. The SCCF continues its mission to document, research, and respond to strandings while working to mitigate environmental threats to these marine creatures.

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After temporarily relocating to Bell Tower in Fort Myers following Hurricane Ian, Congress Jewelers has officially returned to its original home at Periwinkle Place Shops in Sanibel. The highly anticipated reopening took place on Dec. 6, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the SanCap Chamber on Feb. 6 to mark the occasion.

“The support from our clientele and the chamber has been immeasurable,” said owner Scot Congress. “Our opening night coincided with the chamber’s Luminary event, which drew an incredible crowd of over 1,400 people—making it the third most successful in our history.”

Despite the return to Sanibel, Congress Jewelers will continue operating both its Sanibel and Fort Myers locations, offering an exquisite collection of fine jewelry, including the renowned Sealife by Congress collection.

“Our new Sanibel store has a completely different feel,” Congress shared. “The layout is brighter and airier, capturing the essence of the beach and the island’s natural beauty.”

SanCap Chamber President and CEO John Lai emphasized the significance of Congress Jewelers’ return, saying, “For four generations, the Congress family has represented quality and personalized service. Their reopening is a major win for the Sanibel shopping scene.”

Congress Jewelers is now open at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported on February 12 that the red tide bloom off Sanibel and Captiva appears to be weakening. This assessment is based on lower cell counts and satellite imagery, which indicates the bloom is shifting north and south of the islands.

Declining Red Tide Levels

Recent testing by the SCCF Marine Lab found the highest Karenia brevis concentration at Blind Pass Beach with 1.9 million cells per liter, followed by Tarpon Bay Road Beach at 1.5 million cells per liter. These levels have significantly dropped compared to 22 million cells per liter detected two weeks ago at some Sanibel beaches.

“We found the highest counts in Tarpon Bay, with two readings over 250,000 cells per liter, and some concerns near Redfish Pass. However, overall, it appears to be subsiding in Pine Island Sound,” said SCCF Research Associate Mark Thompson.

Farther south, water sampling near San Carlos Bay and the Sanibel Causeway detected little to no Karenia brevis, reinforcing the downward trend.

Satellite Data and Fish Kill Reports

While causeway and beach samples collected on February 12 contained no detectable Karenia cells, some respiratory irritation was still reported by scientists and volunteers. Satellite imagery also revealed a significant shift in the bloom, with reduced intensity and movement away from the islands.

In addition, reports of fish kills have decreased compared to last week. However, SCCF scientists caution that red tide blooms can fluctuate, sometimes fading only to resurge later.

“The latest satellite fluorescence shows smaller patches, which could mean the bloom is declining—or simply regrouping,” said SCCF Research Scientist Rick Bartleson.

He explained that Karenia brevis concentrations can drop to zero inshore and nearshore, while phytoplankton shifts may temporarily suppress red tide before another potential spike.

Outlook and Water Management Updates

Despite lingering patches offshore—one north of Captiva and another south toward Collier County—scientists remain cautiously optimistic that the bloom has run its course for now.

However, Florida Department of Health advisories remain active for several area beaches.

Meanwhile, SCCF’s environmental policy team continues to work with water managers as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) plans its dry season flow management strategy.

“We are asking the USACE to reduce flow targets at the S-79 structure to the lower range of the optimum flow envelope,” said SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka. “This will help minimize nutrient loading while maintaining the salinity gradient of the Caloosahatchee Estuary.”

Stay Updated

SCCF will continue monitoring red tide conditions and advocating for responsible water management to protect Sanibel and Captiva’s coastal ecosystems.

For the latest updates, visit SCCF’s website or follow them on social media.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium continues its seasonal Lecture Series with an engaging discussion on shellfish aquaculture in Florida. The next lecture will take place:

February 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel

Topic:

“Shellfish Aquaculture in Florida: Its Status and Potential in a Rapidly Changing State”
Speaker: Stephen Hesterberg, Ph.D., Executive Director, Gulf Shellfish Institute

Shellfish aquaculture in Florida is an emerging industry with the potential to benefit the economy, food security, and the environment. However, challenges such as population growth, harmful algal blooms, heatwaves, and hurricanes pose threats to its development.

Dr. Hesterberg will provide insights into the current state of shellfish aquaculture, its potential impact on Florida’s future, and the Gulf Shellfish Institute’s vision for merging industry with environmental restoration—a concept known as restoration aquaculture.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Hesterberg is a marine ecologist specializing in Florida’s Gulf Coast ecosystems, including oyster reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. He leads the Gulf Shellfish Institute, which focuses on expanding shellfish production—including hard clams, oysters, and scallops—to support both the economy and ecosystem.

Cost:

• $10 per person
• Free for museum members

Register or learn more at: ShellMuseum.org/in-person-lectures

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insight into Florida’s evolving shellfish industry and its role in environmental sustainability!

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium invites nature enthusiasts to a Sunrise Shell and Mollusk Stroll on February 12 at 7 a.m. at Lighthouse Beach (110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel).

Led by a marine biologist, this guided walk offers a unique opportunity to explore local mollusks and their shells during low tide. Participants will learn about molluscan biology, biodiversity, and conservation, as well as search for live mollusks in their natural habitat.

Cost:

• $10 for adults
• $5 for museum members and ages 17 and under
  (Parking not included.)

Registration is required. Secure your spot at ShellMuseum.org/sunrise-stroll.

Don’t miss this chance to start your morning with a scenic beach walk and fascinating marine discoveries!

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) volunteers and staff counted an impressive 12,104 individual birds from 100 different species in December as part of the islands’ contribution to the National Audubon Society’s 125th Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

The CBC is one of the longest-running citizen science projects worldwide. For over 60 years, SCCF has partnered with local conservation organizations, including the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, to ensure the success of the Sanibel-Captiva CBC.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

“Over the years, several challenges have threatened to halt the event—Hurricane Ian in 2022 being a notable example—but the dedicated birders of Sanibel and Captiva have always found a way to make it happen,” said SCCF shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht, who coordinated the count.

This year’s results marked the highest recorded totals since 2020, with participation from over 100 volunteers.

Factors Affecting the Count

According to Albrecht, several factors influence bird count numbers, including weather conditions, habitat changes, volunteer participation, and site accessibility.

“Following Hurricane Ian, entry to the island was restricted, and many key areas were inaccessible,” she explained. “In 2023, although volunteer numbers increased, unfavorable weather conditions still limited observations. Despite hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024, habitat conditions have significantly improved compared to previous years.”

Top Bird Species Observed

The three most commonly recorded species this year were:

• Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
• White ibis (Eudocimus albus)
• Fish crow (Corvus ossifragus)

Unexpected Sightings

A few rare visitors made an appearance, including:

• Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
• Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)

“While burrowing owls are common in Lee County, spotting them on Sanibel or Captiva is quite rare,” Albrecht noted. “The snow goose was found near a golf course—an uncommon sight but not the first instance of one appearing in Lee County.”

A flamingo also made an appearance on the islands just one day after the count, but unfortunately, it was too late to be included in the official data.

A Community Effort

“This event would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers,” Albrecht emphasized. “Their enthusiasm and commitment make this count a success year after year.”

With this year’s impressive numbers and unexpected visitors, the SCCF continues to contribute valuable data to conservation efforts, showcasing the resilience of both birds and the community that cherishes them.