Here in Flagler Beach we love our sea turtles! We do everything we can to make sure our beach is safe and clean for when the turtles make their nests. If you plan on visiting from May 1- October 31, please be aware that we are home to five different species of sea turtles who come ashore to nest. During this time period female sea turtles will come ashore and dig nests, laying somewhere around 80 - 120 eggs! The hatchlings are ready to start their journey to the ocean in about 50 to 60 days. Using the ambient light of the moon on the ocean, the little guys find their way to the ocean where they begin their 40 mile swim to the Sargasso seaweed bed. It is quite possible that you will have the chance to witness this natural and magical phenomenon that is 200 million years old. So while you're here there are some things you should know to protect these extinct creatures.
Adopt-A Turtle Nest To Support Sea Turtle Conservation!
Our beaches are fortunate enough to have its very own Flagler Turtle Patrol, a non-profit organization, who dedicates their time to the protection of sea turtles.During nesting season, the beaches are checked every morning to find any "fresh crawls' and determine whether it is a nest or false crawl (non-nesting emergence), then the nest is marked with four stakes and survey ribbon, affix a FFWCC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) sign stating that it is a turtle nest and not to disturb it. All nests are monitored on a daily basis until they hatch. Once they hatch, we do a nest evaluation to determine the success of the nest. The Turtle Patrol invites the public to observe any of their scheduled nest evaluations for a first hand look at these magnificent creatures. Follow them on Facebook for scheduled nest cleanings and evaluations.
Sea Turtles Who Call Florida Home:
Green Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
Leatherback Turtle
Kemp’s Ridley
Loggerhead Turtle
Turtle Trivia:
- Turtles can migrate thousands of miles, but usually return to lay their eggs on the same beach where they hatched.
- Florida beaches are home to 80% of Loggerhead turtles in the U.S.
- It can take 15 – 50 years before a sea turtle is capable of reproducing
- Scientists estimate that only 1 in 1000 to 10,000 babies will survive to adulthood
- Sea turtles live their entire life in the ocean. The only time they comes ashore is when the female lays her eggs.
How You Can Help:
- Keep outside lights off during turtle season from May through October.
- Make sure to remove chairs, umbrellas and other gear from the beach each night.
- Level all sand castles and fill any holes dug during play.
- Please pick up all trash. Sea turtles mistakenly eat debris, especially plastic, which results in death.
- Never buy products made from sea turtles or any other endangered species.
It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or injured sea turtles.
Call FWC at 888-404-3922
