The 2021 nesting season
begins on May 1
#CleanDarkFlat all year long
BSTP is the only FWC-permitted turtle patrol in Atlantic, Neptune and Jax Beaches! Our name is clearly visible on our tee shirts and ATVs. If you observe anyone touching a turtle or a nest that is NOT identifiable as a BSTP volunteer, please notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency immediately. Similarly, there are no other groups who are authorized to accept donations, sell items, or advise you about sea turtle-friendly lights on behalf of BSTP.
Final 2020 Nest count
Loggerheads: 60 nests, 104 false crawls
Leatherbacks: 3 nests, 3 false crawls
Greens: 1 nests, 1 false crawl
55 nests produced 3,696 hatchlings (63.2% overal hatch success rate)
A false crawl occurs when a turtle comes ashore but does not deposit a nest.
Visit our Facebook page for additional updates, photos and interesting links!
Help Us Help Them
- 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.
- Stray hatchlings should be placed in a small bucket or container with 1-2" of moist sand, and covered lightly with a cloth or towel. Call us right away for retrieval. DO NOT try to put it back in the ocean.
- Report adult turtles 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 under the direction of certified personnel.
BSTP News and Updates
- The 2021 Annual Supporters Newsletter has been published!
- We are happy to announce that we are fully staffed for the 2021 nesting season so will not be accepting new volunteers. Please check back next year for 2022. You can still help the turtles by keeping the beach clean, dark and flat!
- Decreased water temps may cause sea turtles to become "cold-stunned" and wash ashore. These turtles may appear to be deceased but are still alive and in need of immediate medical attention. Please report all strandings in Atlantic, Neptune and Jax Beaches to our emergency line at 904-613-6081. If we're unable to answer please leave a detailed message. Stranded turtles in other locations should be reported to FWC's emergency line at 1-888-404-3922 or #FWC from cell phone. For more information on cold-stunning please visit this link.
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.
P.O. Box 50723
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-0723
Emergency Phone: (904) 613-6081
