Sea Turtle Nesting Season Is Almost Here! Are You Ready?

Sea turtle nesting season officially starts May 1st and runs to to October 31st, but nests can start being seen as early as mid April!

Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program monitors 35 miles of beaches from Longboat Key to Venice daily to check for new sea turtle nests. Mote’s findings each nesting season contribute to the statewide analysis of sea turtle nesting trends, which helps in conserving this vital species.

Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol staff and volunteers’ commitment and passion are the driving force behind Mote’s nesting research success, but we still need your help!

Here are some “dos and don’ts” for sea turtle nesting season:
• DO stay away from sea turtle nests marked with yellow stakes and tape.
• DO remain quiet and observe from a distance if you encounter a nesting sea turtle, hatchlings, or a posted nest area.
• DO shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October. Use FWC approved turtle-friendly lighting products.
• DO close drapes after dark.
• DO stack beach furniture at the dune line or, ideally, remove it from the beach. Beach furniture, holes, trash and other obstacles can impede nesting turtles and deter them from laying nests or can injure or prevent females and emerging hatchlings from reaching the water.
• DO fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings or nesting females on their way to the water.
• DO pick up your trash (or trash left behind by others) and deposit it in the correct receptacles when leaving the beach.
• DO use turtle friendly toy boxes (if available) to recycle beach toys for others to use.
• DON’T approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
• DON’T try to photograph nesting sea turtles. Using a flash or bright lights can disorient nesting sea turtles or hatchlings.
• DON’T encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged.
• DON’T use fireworks on the beach.
• DON’T walk dogs on Sarasota or Manatee county beaches—but check county websites for exceptions such as Brohard Paw Park in Venice.
Together, we can protect these vital and vibrant animals who call our waters their home.