From April to October, CMA biologists monitor 21 miles of beach to protect nesting sea turtles
under conditions not harmful to marine turtles. Footage was acquired while conducting authorized conservation activities pursuant to FWC MTP-24/25-263 and MTP-24/25-013.
CLEARWATER, FL (Nov. 5, 2024) – The good news about this year’s sea turtle nesting season? Clearwater Marine Aquarium saw an increase in turtle nests during the 2024 season. CMA documented 271 nests this year, compared to 227 nests in 2023, along the 21-mile stretch of beach they patrol annually in Pinellas County from mid-April to the end of October.
The bad news? Similar to last year, hurricanes washed out a large percentage of active nests at different points during the season. Hurricane Debby washed out nests in August, while Hurricane Helene destroyed the remaining nests in September. In mid-October, after Hurricane Milton, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), called off the season early.
In addition to the increase in nests, this was the first year that CMA found a leatherback turtle nest, making history as this was the first one documented in Pinellas County. Not only did the team record the leatherback nest the day it was laid, but they were also able to witness the nest hatch and observe the hatchlings make their way to the ocean. They also found two green sea turtle nests, which makes it the first time they have documented three different nesting species on our beaches.
The team also kept track of false crawls and documented 325 of them in the 2024 season, an increase from last year’s 240 false crawls. False crawls are when adult sea turtles crawl on to the beach and turn around to crawl right back to the water without depositing eggs. False crawls are mostly caused by obstructions such as sandcastles, holes in the sand, beach furniture, plastic toys, or other garbage in the path of the turtles.
Regarding the false crawls, CMA’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program Manager, Carly Oakley, says it’s a sign that residents and tourists can do better by doing simple things such as knocking down sandcastles, picking up trash, and filling in sand holes after a day on the beach.
“One quote to live by is, leave nothing but your footprints in the sand. Even items such as beach chairs and tents can be detrimental to our nesting females, causing them to choose not to nest but instead, head back to the water,” Oakley said.
Also, educating homeowners and beach goers about making sure all exterior lights are turned off and shades are drawn during sea turtle nesting season is very important.
“Keeping our beaches dark helps prevent the disorientation of hatchlings and nesting females. We also advise the use of red or amber lights on the beach during nesting season including red light flashlights. This wavelength is harder for turtles to see and will be less likely to disturb our nesting females and emerging hatchlings.
If residents or tourists see hatchlings headed in the wrong direction or anyone harassing a nesting female, it is important to call the stranding hotline.
There is always someone on call 24/7 ready to respond to any event that’s needed,” Oakley said. The CMA Stranding Hotline number is (727) 441-1790, ext. 1.
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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770
- About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.
© 2024 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org
We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization