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Sea turtle encounters and research programs: be a part of the recovery
State permitted, guided sea turtle walks, offer the least intrusive way for individuals to observe the protected Loggerhead sea turtles laying eggs while nest "digs" provide a similar opportunity to "dig into" a hatched out nest. Such programs offer quality interpretive information by trained guides and have the potential to reduce negative human impacts on our nesting sea turtles and their habitat by fostering an appreciation for megafauna while learning about disruptive behaviors and how such behaviors can be mitigated.
Sea turtles, each of the 7 species in the world, play a vital role in the balance of marine habitats that even humans rely upon for food sources and believe it or not, shelter. Beaches are nourished by fertilizer from sea turtle eggs and remains from nests that feed dune plants. Dune plants are powerful strongholds for sand accretion that creates the beach itself. Leatherback sea turtles eat massive amounts of jellyfish that would have depleted fishery stocks had this large marine reptile not consumed them as prey. Humans would not have access to abundant fisheries if it wasn't for this species of sea turtle that nests on our coast. There are many more reasons why sea turtles are incredibly beneficial for sustaining humans and other food web dynamics. The reality is that human ("anthropogenic") activity has affected the very existence of these marine reptiles and we are working in the efforts of sea turtle population recovery through research, conservation and education.
Sea turtles, each of the 7 species in the world, play a vital role in the balance of marine habitats that even humans rely upon for food sources and believe it or not, shelter. Beaches are nourished by fertilizer from sea turtle eggs and remains from nests that feed dune plants. Dune plants are powerful strongholds for sand accretion that creates the beach itself. Leatherback sea turtles eat massive amounts of jellyfish that would have depleted fishery stocks had this large marine reptile not consumed them as prey. Humans would not have access to abundant fisheries if it wasn't for this species of sea turtle that nests on our coast. There are many more reasons why sea turtles are incredibly beneficial for sustaining humans and other food web dynamics. The reality is that human ("anthropogenic") activity has affected the very existence of these marine reptiles and we are working in the efforts of sea turtle population recovery through research, conservation and education.
Payment makes your reservation & must be received prior to your scheduled event to secure your spot.
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Dont forget to like our page on Facebook, you can get updates there!
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Please Download the guidelines prior to your walk. We ask that you read these and abide by them in order to have the best experience for yourselves and the nesting Loggerhead mommas.
S E A TU R T L E M A N N E R S : a humorous how-to guide.
Do NOT:
DO:
WHY?
Why do all these things? Statistics have shown about 1 out 1,000 turtles make it to adulthood. They are an endangered species. They are “beach farmers”. You are an amazing human. So much more.
YOUR WELCOME.
Reading Material:
FWC info about turtles: https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/florida/faq/
About the endangered species act: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/general/about-the-endangered-species-act/
Do NOT:
- SHINE ANY LIGHTS on or around sea turtles or their nesting habitats, this includes your trusty red lights (unless you catch the moon and then you can use that, its natural).
- TOUCH any sea turtles, yes that includes their eggs and hatchlings. Y’all, its illegal, like a federal offense. Touching nesting females stresses them and adds human bacteria that dinosaur ancestors just aren’t used to. "She said don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself. "
- GET CLOSE to a nesting female turtle, social distancing applies here too, ya know, 6ft is pretty common place these days in our world, but lets give these mommas some more space. Yep, same goes for hatchlings, you guessed it.
DO:
- GET EDUCATED about nesting season, Brevard County is MAY 1 to OCT 31.
- GO ON A GUIDED WALK. Hey guess what? We offer them, join us.
- Build amazing sand castles and then KNOCK THEM down. Yes, that includes amazing rock structures/cairns, tiki huts, tents, holes.
- BE CHILL. if you are on the beach with a nesting momma and or hatchlings, give space, be still and keep quiet. Also, walk the waters edge to not disturb any other mommas. The ocean is healing anyway, you will be glad you did.
- PACK IN PACK OUT. Take your trash home in what you brought it in. People, its trendy, trust me or ask YETI, they are stoked about their business model.
- Think about where you place your fires and When. Fires can burn turtles, nesting and hatching. For real, you don’t want to be that person.
- TEACH OTHERS. don’t keep all that good information to yourself. Pass on the great information and know better, do better.
- SUPPORT local organizations that stay up all night bringing you closer to sea turtles so you aren’t the reason they false crawl and end up laying their eggs in the ocean. FUN FACT: turtles are reptiles, meaning their eggs don’t hatch in the ocean.
- KEEP IT CLEAN DARK AND FLAT. Need we say more?
WHY?
Why do all these things? Statistics have shown about 1 out 1,000 turtles make it to adulthood. They are an endangered species. They are “beach farmers”. You are an amazing human. So much more.
YOUR WELCOME.
Reading Material:
FWC info about turtles: https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/florida/faq/
About the endangered species act: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-fish/general/about-the-endangered-species-act/
You can click the link above or see calendar below and click on link within the date.
Calendar may not fit on mobile version- please turn your phone to see all dates.
Calendar may not fit on mobile version- please turn your phone to see all dates.
WHO WE ARE:
Stella Maris Environmental Research is a 501(c)(3) not for-profit organization based in the heart of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR). The ACNWR is arguably the densest nesting ground for Loggerhead sea turtles in the world and the most significant nesting grounds for green sea turtles in North America and a minor nesting area for the vulnerable Leatherback sea turtles. Stella Maris Environmental Research is permitted (MTP 21-149) to offer guided sea turtle watches and public nest productivity evaluations within the Refuge and to perform marine sea turtle hatchling research (MTP 21-235) If you would like to learn more about our sea turtle research projects please click the research tab under "sea turtles".
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