From April to October, CMA biologists monitor 21 miles of beach to protect nesting sea turtles
Clearwater, Florida. (November 7, 2025) — Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is celebrating a historic milestone following its most successful sea turtle nesting season on record, running from May through October.
“We’ve never seen this much activity in a single season,” said Carly Oakley, Manager of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program at CMA. “This year, we documented 405 nests and 613 false crawls — a clear sign that more sea turtles are returning to our beaches.”
Despite challenges from last year’s hurricanes, which altered beach topography and created ravines, nesting numbers soared well beyond previous records. Favorable weather conditions — with fewer storms and no major hurricanes — contributed to this year’s success.
Compared to 2024, when biologists observed 227 nests and 240 false crawls, this year’s increase marks a significant rebound for local turtle populations.
Beach renourishment projects may also play a role. “By restoring and expanding our beaches, we’re providing more space for sea turtles to nest,” Oakley explained. “This could lead to even higher numbers in the coming years — though it may take decades to fully see the results.”
At the conclusion of last year’s nesting season, several staff members came together last year to put together the results of the past 30 years of sea turtle nesting in Mid and North Pinellas County Beaches. The results are Here.
Species Sightings and Conservation Highlights
CMA typically observes one or two green sea turtle nests each season, in addition to the more common loggerhead nests. While green sea turtles have been downlisted from endangered to threatened, both green and loggerhead species remain protected under federal law.
“It’s exciting to see growth among both loggerheads and greens,” Oakley added. “But it’s also a reminder of how important it is to continue protecting these species and their habitats.”
How the Public Can Help
CMA urges residents and visitors to stay vigilant and follow simple steps to keep beaches safe for nesting turtles and hatchlings:
- Keep beaches dark: Turn off outdoor lights or close curtains at night. Use red lights when walking on the beach — their wavelength is less disturbing to turtles.
- Leave no trace: Knock down sandcastles, fill in holes, and remove beach furniture at the end of the day.
- Keep beaches clean and flat: This helps nesting females and hatchlings reach the water safely.
- Report turtle emergencies: If you see hatchlings heading away from the ocean or anyone disturbing a nesting female, contact your local stranding hotline immediately.
“There’s always someone on call 24/7 to respond,” Oakley emphasized. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium stranding hotline can be reached at (727) 441-1790, ext. 1.
“While this record-breaking season is a reason to celebrate, it’s not a reason to relax,” Oakley said. “Protecting sea turtles is an ongoing effort — and every person who visits our beaches plays a part.”
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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.
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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