The 2012 Nesting Season
is here! See you on the beach.
2011 Totals
Nests: 37 (35 loggerhead, 2 leatherback)
Total eggs: 4,035
Total hatched: 2,973
Dead hatchlings in nest: 259
Live hatchlings in nest: 74
Dead pipped: 41
Live pipped: 2
Unhatched eggs: 593
Eggs destroyed by predation: 186
Eggs destroyed by inundation: 240
This means that about 2,714 hatchlings *should* have made it safely to the water. Hopefully at least 2 of all those hatchlings will survive to reproduce.
Turtles 101:
- Turn off or shield all beachfront lighting after 9 pm. Click here for approved wildlife lighting solutions. Why this is important.
- Use window coverings to block indoor lights that face the beach.
- Do not use flashlights on the beach.
- Do not leave toys, chairs or other items on the beach that can entrap or impede nesting turtles or hatchlings.
- Fill in all holes and ruts in the sand.
- Report potential nesting hazards (lighting, obstructions, etc.).
- If you see a nesting turtle, stay at least 25 yards behind her at all times.
- If hatchlings are present, do not touch them or interfere with their progress to the ocean. Immediately report any problems to BSTP at (904) 613-6081.
- Report it immediately to BSTP at (904) 613-6081 or to Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922.
- Do not touch the turtle unless instructed to by a certified BSTP volunteer or FWC employee.
- Become familiar with FL Statutes regarding appropriate behavior around hatchlings, nests and nesting turtles. Any contact is prohibited by law unless directed to by certified personnel.
BSTP News and Updates
-
You're invited to the 10th annual Sea Turtle Art Show at First Street Gallery which benefits BSTP. Show runs 5/16 through 6/18, opening reception 5/18, 7-9 pm.
- We find ourselves in a happy predicament this year in terms of volunteer participation. Last season we had an overage of volunteers and some had to double up. This year we have enough people returning that we have no openings for new folks. We have been working towards this goal for about 7 years. We realize that many hopefuls were disappointed to hear this news at our season kick off meeting. We did not know for certain how many volunteers were returning until a few days before the meeting. If you attended the meeting you will be at the head of the line the next time we are accepting new recruits. In the meantime, if you see us out on patrol feel free to say hello and ask questions. Thanks for your support and we'll see you on the beach!
- Come visit the BSTP exhibit at Jax Zoo's Earth Day Party for the Planet on Saturday 4/14.
- Annual members newsletter now available online.
- The season kickoff and volunteer orientation meeting for 2012 season will be on Thursday April 12, 6:30 pm at Beaches Library. Pre-registration is NOT required.
- Annual Polar Plunge Saturday 2/4: A1A Parrot Head Club will be meeting at the foot of Atlantic Blvd on the beach by One Ocean Resort at 8:30am to brave the frigid surf and raise funds for the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol! Please join us in supporting this fantastic local environmental effort. If you have any questions, contact a1aphc@gmail.com.
- 2011 News Archive
Our Mission
To promote the conservation of endangered and threatened marine turtles in Northeast Florida. [See the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and other protections].
Of the
five species of turtles that nest in Florida, there are three species
that nest locally: Loggerheads, Greens
and Leatherbacks. Loggerheads (Caretta
caretta) are the most common, followed by Greens (Chelonia
mydas) and, on rare occasions, Leatherbacks (Dermochelys
coriacea). We operate under the auspices of the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Program. Got Gear?
We've got all the turtle gear you need to make a statement and show your pride in being a sea turtle conservationist and a supporter of BSTP. Grab an official patrol t-shirt, wooden ornament or surfer necklace, all featuring our special hatchling mascot. Also available are front license plates that spell TUR-TLE, similar to the FL Dept. of Motor Vehicle specialty tag (as shown below). Combined with a BSTP membership these items make a great gift for the environmentalist in your life who has everything.
P.O. Box 50723
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-0723
Emergency Phone: (904) 613-6081
