Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Visitors on the Beach

April is already bringing warm summer temperatures, and beach season is upon us. But starting in May people won't be the only visitors on the beach, as that is the beginning of Florida's Loggerhead Turtle nesting season. Loggerhead Sea Turtles reportedly grow to a weight range anywhere from 250 to 400 lbs and live up to 30 years. Most of the time they go unnoticed in the ocean, but for several months out of the year they come ashore to lay eggs where they were born, then go back into the sea. It takes about two months for the hatchlings to surface and make a run for the sea, and this means we are playing on the beaches while the newborn Loggerhead is fighting for survival. Scientists estimate that only 1 in 1000 to 10,000 hatchlings will make it to adulthood. Granted, they meet with dangers at sea, but it’s our responsibility to avoid being a hazard for them on land. It’s estimated that up to 80% of the Loggerheads in the U.S. are in Florida, so as we go into beach season lets be conscious of their presence and observe the recommendations listed below. For more information drop by the BLRC or visit the links in blue. ~Laurie

*Keep outside lights off during turtle season from May through October.
*Report injured or sick turtles and those who endanger turtles or disturb the nests. (1-888-404-FWCC)
*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.
BE AWARE ON THE BEACH!


Turtle Time:
http://www.turtletime.org/
See Florida Online: http://www.seefloridaonline.com/turtles/
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute: http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_main.asp?id=1289

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