 |
Where to See
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Florida
is the Sea Turtle Nesting Capital Sea turtle nesting grounds are limited exclusively to the Southeast region of the U.S. They extend from the Florida Keys to Virginia on the Atlantic Coast, and from Texas through Florida along the Gulf of Mexico. The best place in the nation to view nesting sea turtles is on Florida's Atlantic Coast. An amazing 80 percent of the sea turtle nests laid on the entire U.S. East Coast occur between New Smyrna and Boca Raton. Most are made by loggerheads but four other species also nest here. Adult sea turtles are sizable animals; even the smallest weighs between 200 and 300 pounds. The opportunity to closely approach such a large endangered creature on its own grounds, without the slightest danger, is remarkable. To do so when the creature is nesting is extraordinary. Join A Guided Turtle Walk (Turtle Watch) Why join a turtle walk? Because it's one of Florida's most unforgettable experiences. Everyone, especially Floridians, ought to sign up for a turtle walk at least once. Almost all turtle walk programs are on Florida's Atlantic coast, which has the greatest concentration of nests. The beaches in the Melbourne area are the most heavily used.
The number of people allowed to participate on any one night is quite limited. Advance reservations are mandatory. Who To Contact The turtle walk locations are listed from north to south.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge The best loggerhead nesting beach--perhaps in the whole world. Sebastian Inlet State Park It's out of the way so consider spending the night at the campground.
Sea Turtle Preservation Society This private group holds turtle walks in Melbourne and Satellite Beach. Marinelife Center of Juno Beach. Their website allows you to keep track of giant leatherback turtles--even hear one nesting. Florida Power & Light Held on Hutchinson Island near the St. Lucie nuclear power plant. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Located in North Palm Beach. John U. Lloyd Beach State Park Located in Dania, reservations are taken early: May 1. Hobe Sound Nature Center Walks are conducted on the Hobe Sound public beach. Has the earliest reservations of all: April 1. Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex In Boca Raton, the center offers turtle walks and the opportunity to watch hatchlings released. Code of Conduct for Turtle Walks Because all sea turtles species are classified as endangered or threatened species, people taking part in an organized turtle watch in Florida are subject to various federal and state laws. And there are a certain things you're not allowed to do: such as use your own flashlight to take flash photographs. Learn more. Sea Turtles: Their Natural History According to fossil records, sea turtles are among the oldest species. They have special characteristics that have allowed them to survive for millions of years. Sea turtle mating
and migration
patterns are well studied. Hatchlings,
a favorite food for birds and other marine animals, face a dangerous
future.
Turtle
Links
|
||||||||||
|
Loggerhead sea turtle depositing eggs |
|||||||||||
