Sea Turtle Release

Sea Turtle ReleaseSea Turtle Release

Vanderbilt BeachVanderbilt BeachJanuary, 2010January, 2010

Sea Turtles in FloridaSea Turtles in Florida

•• Five species of sea turtles are found Five species of sea turtles are found swimming in Florida's waters and nesting swimming in Florida's waters and nesting on Florida's beaches. All sea turtles found on Florida's beaches. All sea turtles found in Florida are protected under state in Florida are protected under state statutes.statutes.

•• Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution all impact the survival of Sea and pollution all impact the survival of Sea Turtles in Florida. Turtles in Florida.

Florida services to save Sea Florida services to save Sea Turtles:Turtles:

•• FWRI staff members FWRI staff members coordinate the Florida coordinate the Florida Sea Turtle Stranding Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network and Salvage Network (FLSTSSN), which is (FLSTSSN), which is responsible for responsible for gathering data on dead gathering data on dead or debilitated (i.e., or debilitated (i.e., stranded) Sea Turtles stranded) Sea Turtles found in Florida. found in Florida.

•• Debilitated turtles are Debilitated turtles are rescued and transported rescued and transported to rehabilitation to rehabilitation facilities.facilities.

•• The Florida Fish and The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Conservation Commission oversees Commission oversees Sea Turtle programs Sea Turtle programs throughout the state.throughout the state.

Photo Credit FWC

FAQsFAQs about Sea Turtlesabout Sea TurtlesFrom an article by Joanne From an article by Joanne HarckeHarcke•• Like all turtles, Sea Turtles are Like all turtles, Sea Turtles are

reptiles.reptiles.•• They are coldThey are cold--blooded vertebrates blooded vertebrates

with scaly skin, lungs and a threewith scaly skin, lungs and a three--chambered heart.chambered heart.

•• Sea turtles lay eggs. Sea turtles lay eggs. •• The turtle's upper shell is The turtle's upper shell is called

the carapace. The carapace is covered in hard scales called scutes.

• The lower shell is called the plastron.

•• Sea Turtles do not have teeth, but Sea Turtles do not have teeth, but the jaw is a modified beak. Sea the jaw is a modified beak. Sea Turtles have no visible ears, but Turtles have no visible ears, but they do have eardrums that are they do have eardrums that are covered by skin.covered by skin.

•• Sea turtles have good vision Sea turtles have good vision underwater, but do not see well underwater, but do not see well out of water.out of water.

FAQsFAQs about Sea Turtlesabout Sea Turtles

Sea turtles have shells Sea turtles have shells streamlined for streamlined for swimming, and have swimming, and have flippers instead of legs. flippers instead of legs. –– These adaptations allow These adaptations allow

sea turtles to move sea turtles to move effortlessly through the effortlessly through the water. water.

–– They are strong They are strong swimmers and deep swimmers and deep divers.divers.

Green turtles can stay Green turtles can stay underwater for up to five underwater for up to five hours. hours.

Photo Credit Dulcey Lima

Sea vs. land turtlesSea vs. land turtles

•• Because the shell is so Because the shell is so streamlined, Sea streamlined, Sea Turtles cannot retract Turtles cannot retract their heads or flippers their heads or flippers to protect themselves to protect themselves from predators.from predators.

•• Although the earliest Although the earliest Sea Turtles evolved Sea Turtles evolved from terrestrial from terrestrial turtles, they are turtles, they are poorly adapted for life poorly adapted for life on land.on land.


Photo Credit Tony Northrup

Sea Turtle

Land Turtle

Taxonomy:Taxonomy:

Class: Class: ReptiliaReptiliaOrder: Order: TestudinesTestudinesSuborder: Suborder: CryptodiraCryptodiraFamily: Family: DermochelyidaeDermochelyidae


How big are Sea Turtles?How big are Sea Turtles?

•• Even the smallest Sea Turtles Even the smallest Sea Turtles are larger than their landare larger than their land--going counterparts.going counterparts.

•• Green turtles are 30Green turtles are 30--44 44 inches long and weigh inches long and weigh between 150 and 400 between 150 and 400 pounds. pounds.

•• Kemp's and Olive Kemp's and Olive RidleysRidleys are are the smallest Sea Turtles with the smallest Sea Turtles with the largest averaging around the largest averaging around 30 inches long and about 100 30 inches long and about 100 pounds. pounds.

•• Leatherbacks are the largest Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles, reaching lengths sea turtles, reaching lengths of 4of 4--6 feet and weights from 6 feet and weights from 400 to over 1000 pounds. 400 to over 1000 pounds.

Naples News Photo by David Alberg taken whenthis Leatherback turtle beached twice in LeeCounty in January. The disoriented Leatherback was out of its normal territory and was estimated to weigh between 600 and 700 pounds.

How long do sea turtles live How long do sea turtles live and what colors are they?and what colors are they?

•• Sea turtles can live as Sea turtles can live as long as eighty years, if long as eighty years, if not more. not more.

•• They range in color They range in color from yellow through from yellow through dark green, brown, dark green, brown, and black. and black.

Roatan Hawksbill TurtlePhoto credit George Gardner.

Where are Sea Turtles found?Where are Sea Turtles found?•• Some sea turtle species range in Some sea turtle species range in

warm oceans worldwarm oceans world--wide, while wide, while others are limited to certain oceans others are limited to certain oceans or regions. or regions.

•• Greens, leatherbacks, and Greens, leatherbacks, and loggerheads can be found in all loggerheads can be found in all oceans, except at the poles. oceans, except at the poles.

•• Hawksbill turtles also range worldHawksbill turtles also range world--wide, but are found primarily in wide, but are found primarily in tropical reef habitats in the tropical reef habitats in the Caribbean and in tropical Australia. Caribbean and in tropical Australia.

•• The The FlatbackFlatback is also found in is also found in Australian waters. Kemp's Ridley is Australian waters. Kemp's Ridley is an Atlantic turtle, preferring the an Atlantic turtle, preferring the western North Atlantic.western North Atlantic.

•• The Olive Ridley calls the Pacific The Olive Ridley calls the Pacific Ocean home. Ocean home.

•• Sea turtles generally prefer Sea turtles generally prefer shallower waters like bays, lagoons shallower waters like bays, lagoons and estuaries, though many travel and estuaries, though many travel through the open sea. through the open sea.

How do Sea Turtles return to How do Sea Turtles return to their nesting areas?their nesting areas?

•• They may migrate hundreds They may migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles. or even thousands of miles.

•• In the water, their path is In the water, their path is greatly affected by powerful greatly affected by powerful currents. currents.

•• Despite their limited vision Despite their limited vision and lack of landmarks in the and lack of landmarks in the open water, turtles are able open water, turtles are able to retrace their migratory to retrace their migratory paths. paths.

•• One explanation for this One explanation for this phenomenon is that sea phenomenon is that sea turtles use the earth’s turtles use the earth’s magnetic fields to navigate. magnetic fields to navigate.

Information from Save the TurtlesInformation from Save the Turtles..

Diagram Credit Origami ‘n Stuff

MatingMating•• Courtship and mating for most sea Courtship and mating for most sea

turtles is believed to occur during a turtles is believed to occur during a limited "receptive" period prior to limited "receptive" period prior to the female's first nesting the female's first nesting emergence. emergence.

•• Afterwards, only females come Afterwards, only females come ashore to nest. Males almost ashore to nest. Males almost never return to land once they never return to land once they leave the sand of their natal leave the sand of their natal beach. beach.

•• During mating season, males may During mating season, males may court a female by nuzzling her court a female by nuzzling her head or by gently biting the back head or by gently biting the back of her neck and rear flippers. of her neck and rear flippers.

•• If the female does not flee, the If the female does not flee, the male attaches himself to the back male attaches himself to the back of the female's shell by gripping of the female's shell by gripping her top shell with claws in his front her top shell with claws in his front flippers. He then folds his long tail flippers. He then folds his long tail under her shell to copulate. under her shell to copulate.

Photo Credit MIR (earlham.edu)Green Sea Turtles Mating

MatingMating

•• Females observed on the nesting Females observed on the nesting beach after recently mating often beach after recently mating often have scratched shells and may be have scratched shells and may be bleeding from where the males' were bleeding from where the males' were hooked to their shells. hooked to their shells.

•• Copulation can take place either on Copulation can take place either on the surface or under water. the surface or under water.

•• Sometimes several males will compete Sometimes several males will compete for females and may even fight each for females and may even fight each other. other.

•• Observers of sea turtle mating have Observers of sea turtle mating have reported very aggressive behavior by reported very aggressive behavior by both the males and females. both the males and females.

•• Females may mate with several males Females may mate with several males just prior to nesting season and store just prior to nesting season and store the sperm for several months. the sperm for several months.

•• When the female finally lays her eggs, When the female finally lays her eggs, they will have been fertilized by a they will have been fertilized by a variety of males. variety of males.

•• This behavior may help keep genetic This behavior may help keep genetic diversity high in the population.diversity high in the population.

Photo Credit Chuck BabbitGreen Sea Turtles mating.

How do Sea Turtles lay their How do Sea Turtles lay their eggs?eggs?

•• Even though sea turtles spend Even though sea turtles spend most of their lives in the water, all most of their lives in the water, all begin life on the beach. begin life on the beach.

•• The female sea turtle emerges The female sea turtle emerges from to ocean to nest very close from to ocean to nest very close to the beach where she was to the beach where she was hatched (the ability to return to hatched (the ability to return to the place of one's birth is called the place of one's birth is called natal homingnatal homing). ).

•• The nesting season in the United The nesting season in the United States is between April and States is between April and October. October.

•• Most females crawl out of the Most females crawl out of the water at night and spend several water at night and spend several hours digging a nest, laying eggs, hours digging a nest, laying eggs, and covering the nest before and covering the nest before returning to the ocean.returning to the ocean.

••

Sea turtle digging nest in Australia.Mongabay.com

How is the Leatherback’s nest How is the Leatherback’s nest made?made?

•• When the female Leatherback is ready to nest, she will choose a When the female Leatherback is ready to nest, she will choose a beach without a coral reef and one close to the deep water.beach without a coral reef and one close to the deep water.

•• She chooses a dry area and begins the arduous task of nest She chooses a dry area and begins the arduous task of nest excavation. excavation. –– Using her flippers and the rotation of her body, she will dig anUsing her flippers and the rotation of her body, she will dig an egg egg

cavity that is approximately 70 centimeters deep. She will then cavity that is approximately 70 centimeters deep. She will then lay 80 lay 80 to 100 eggs, a process that can take over two hours. to 100 eggs, a process that can take over two hours.

–– She lays an average of 80 fertilized eggs and 30 smaller, unfertShe lays an average of 80 fertilized eggs and 30 smaller, unfertilized ilized eggs in each nest.eggs in each nest.

–– After she is finished, she will carefully cover and camouflage tAfter she is finished, she will carefully cover and camouflage the clutch, he clutch, and may even construct false nests to fool predators.and may even construct false nests to fool predators.

–– Her role now complete, she will depart to the ocean, leaving herHer role now complete, she will depart to the ocean, leaving her eggs to eggs to their fate.their fate.

•• Recent satellite tracking data indicates that the Leatherback, Recent satellite tracking data indicates that the Leatherback, unique among turtles in many ways, may return to a range area orunique among turtles in many ways, may return to a range area orregion, rather than a natal beach. region, rather than a natal beach.

•• The ecological health of the nesting habitat has an impact on thThe ecological health of the nesting habitat has an impact on the e success of Sea Turtle reproduction.success of Sea Turtle reproduction.

Eggs and sex determinationEggs and sex determination

•• The nest holds about 120 The nest holds about 120 eggs, each about the size of a eggs, each about the size of a pingping--pong ball. Most females pong ball. Most females will nest more than once each will nest more than once each season to increase survival season to increase survival rates, but usually do not nest rates, but usually do not nest every year. every year.

•• The eggs incubate for The eggs incubate for approximately 55 days. approximately 55 days. Incubation time is directly Incubation time is directly related to nest temperature. related to nest temperature. At colder temperatures the At colder temperatures the hatchlings take longer to hatchlings take longer to develop. develop.

•• Temperature also determines Temperature also determines whether the hatchlings are whether the hatchlings are male or female. Warmer male or female. Warmer temperatures tend to produce temperatures tend to produce more females.more females. Photo credit Brevard County

What happens when the eggs What happens when the eggs hatch?hatch?•• The hatchlings emerge from the nest at night and follow the The hatchlings emerge from the nest at night and follow the

moonlight into the ocean. moonlight into the ocean. •• Once in the water, the hatchlings have to avoid many Once in the water, the hatchlings have to avoid many

predators before reaching floating Sargasso weeds. predators before reaching floating Sargasso weeds. •• Scientists think that small sea turtles spend several years Scientists think that small sea turtles spend several years

floating in the seaweed, eating and growing.floating in the seaweed, eating and growing.•• Once they are large enough, the young turtles will return to Once they are large enough, the young turtles will return to

coastal waters to forage and continuing growing. coastal waters to forage and continuing growing. •• At fifteen to twenty years of age, sea turtles reach maturity. At fifteen to twenty years of age, sea turtles reach maturity.

Mature turtles will gather in mating areas.Mature turtles will gather in mating areas.•• Females mate with several males before making the Females mate with several males before making the

journey back to the nesting beach to lay their eggs. journey back to the nesting beach to lay their eggs.

What do Sea Turtles do in the What do Sea Turtles do in the water?water?•• Typically sea turtles are Typically sea turtles are

solitary animals that spend solitary animals that spend most of the day feeding most of the day feeding and resting. and resting.

•• Sea turtles can sleep on Sea turtles can sleep on the surface of the water, or the surface of the water, or on the bottom. on the bottom.

•• Scuba divers often see Scuba divers often see turtles napping under turtles napping under rocks and ledges. rocks and ledges.

•• Previous tagging and Previous tagging and tracking studies have tracking studies have shown that sea turtles can shown that sea turtles can migrate thousands of migrate thousands of miles. miles.

Photo Credit SemarnatEarlham.edu

Why are Sea Turtles Why are Sea Turtles endangered?endangered?

•• Today only seven species of Today only seven species of sea turtle exist worldsea turtle exist world--wide. wide. All seven species are listed as All seven species are listed as "threatened" or "threatened" or "endangered" under the "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act.Endangered Species Act.

•• Young sea turtles have many Young sea turtles have many natural predators. Raccoons, natural predators. Raccoons, dogs and ghost crabs raid dogs and ghost crabs raid nests and devour eggs. nests and devour eggs.

•• Hatchlings on the beach are Hatchlings on the beach are easy targets for crabs and easy targets for crabs and birds.birds.

•• Once in the ocean, sharks Once in the ocean, sharks and large fish can easily and large fish can easily consume a small hatchling. consume a small hatchling.

•• Hatchlings can die of Hatchlings can die of dehydration before they dehydration before they reach the water.reach the water.

An Eco-guard in Gabon West Africa poses next to a female Leatherback as she heads to the sea. www.eurocbc.org/seaturtletrackingconservationproject

Why are Sea Turtles Why are Sea Turtles endangered?endangered?

•• Human interaction has caused the biggest collapse of sea turtle Human interaction has caused the biggest collapse of sea turtle populations. populations.

•• Humans can interfere with every stage of a sea turtle’s life cycHumans can interfere with every stage of a sea turtle’s life cycle.le.–– Beachfront development, beach nourishment projects, driving on Beachfront development, beach nourishment projects, driving on

beaches, and artificial lighting all impact sea turtle nesting bbeaches, and artificial lighting all impact sea turtle nesting behavior.ehavior.–– Boating, fishing, and dredging can harm or even kill swimming seBoating, fishing, and dredging can harm or even kill swimming sea a

turtles. turtles. •• Sea turtles can drown when they become entangled in floating garSea turtles can drown when they become entangled in floating garbage, bage,

and they can ingest floating debris. and they can ingest floating debris. •• Sea turtles and their eggs are harvested for food and other mateSea turtles and their eggs are harvested for food and other materials in rials in

some parts of the world.some parts of the world.•• Most harmful interactions between humans and sea turtles are Most harmful interactions between humans and sea turtles are

unintentional.unintentional.•• The increased human presence in coastal areas results in increasThe increased human presence in coastal areas results in increased ed

interactions between humans and sea turtles.interactions between humans and sea turtles.•• Global warming has modified the habitat of Sea Turtles.Global warming has modified the habitat of Sea Turtles.

What can be done to limit deleterious What can be done to limit deleterious effects of humans on Sea Turtle effects of humans on Sea Turtle populations?populations?

•• Plan and regulate beachfront development, beach driving, Plan and regulate beachfront development, beach driving, and lighting.and lighting.

•• Require Turtle Excluder Devices (Require Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDsTEDs) on all offshore ) on all offshore shrimpingshrimping boats. The U.S. requires this from North Carolina boats. The U.S. requires this from North Carolina to Texas. to Texas. –– These "trapdoors" allow turtles to escape from shrimp nets as These "trapdoors" allow turtles to escape from shrimp nets as

they are pulled through the water. they are pulled through the water. •• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered The Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the international trade of sea turtles. international trade of sea turtles.

Joanne Joanne HarckeHarcke, who wrote these , who wrote these FAQsFAQs, is Conservation and Research , is Conservation and Research Coordinator at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.Coordinator at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

What do Sea Turtles eat?What do Sea Turtles eat?

•• Green turtles, and Green turtles, and probably probably flatbacksflatbacks are are primarily vegetarian.primarily vegetarian.

•• Loggerheads like Loggerheads like jellyfish, shrimp, clam, jellyfish, shrimp, clam, and mollusk.and mollusk.

•• Leatherbacks like softLeatherbacks like soft--bodied animals like bodied animals like jellyfish. jellyfish.

ColierColier County Sea Turtle County Sea Turtle ReleaseRelease

January, 2010January, 2010

Sea Turtle rescue from Florida Sea Turtle rescue from Florida panhandlepanhandle

•• 15 sea turtles were 15 sea turtles were brought to North Naples to brought to North Naples to be released in the warmer be released in the warmer waters of the gulf on waters of the gulf on January 20January 20thth, 2010., 2010.

•• The turtles were part of The turtles were part of 1,500 that were rescued 1,500 that were rescued from the cold waters of St. from the cold waters of St. Joseph’s Bay near the Joseph’s Bay near the Florida panhandle during Florida panhandle during the recent freezing the recent freezing weather.weather.

•• The turtles spent the last The turtles spent the last week warming up at the week warming up at the federal fish hatchery near federal fish hatchery near Ocala. Ocala. Photo Credit Florida Wildlife Conservation

Volunteers and Florida Fish and Volunteers and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Conservation Commission teamed up to save the turtles.teamed up to save the turtles.

•• The turtles are part of a The turtles are part of a massive statewide massive statewide operation by the Florida operation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Conservation Conservation Commission and Commission and countless partner countless partner agencies.agencies.

•• With local volunteers, With local volunteers, these groups are trying these groups are trying to save thousands of Sea to save thousands of Sea Turtles that have come Turtles that have come ashore in January, ashore in January, paralyzed by the cold paralyzed by the cold water and unable to eat water and unable to eat or swim.or swim. Photo Credit FWC

Vanderbilt Beach chosen as Vanderbilt Beach chosen as one of the release beaches.one of the release beaches.•• The release started The release started

earlier Tuesday when earlier Tuesday when a crew from Disney a crew from Disney World brought the World brought the turtles from the Ocala turtles from the Ocala area to Sarasota.area to Sarasota.

•• Volunteers with Anna Volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Maria Island Turtle Watch drove the Watch drove the turtles from Sarasota turtles from Sarasota to the warm waters of to the warm waters of ColierColier County and County and Vanderbilt Beach.Vanderbilt Beach.

Photo Credit FWC

Turtles caught by cold snap Turtles caught by cold snap were studied and tagged were studied and tagged before the release.before the release.•• Conservationists have Conservationists have

tagged more turtles than tagged more turtles than ever before, which will ever before, which will help scientists learn more help scientists learn more about where they go and about where they go and their rate of survival.their rate of survival.

•• Scientists take genetic Scientists take genetic information from the information from the turtles before they are turtles before they are released to find out where released to find out where each turtle hatched.each turtle hatched.

Information from: Information from: www.naplesnews.com/stafwww.naplesnews.com/staff/eric_staatsf/eric_staats

Photo Credit FWC

Waiting in line to be released:Waiting in line to be released:


Tagged and ready for reentry…Tagged and ready for reentry…


The race to the gulf…The race to the gulf…

•• About 30 people witnessed About 30 people witnessed the release of the Sea the release of the Sea Turtles on Vanderbilt Turtles on Vanderbilt Beach on January 20Beach on January 20thth, , 2010.2010.

•• All of the turtles reentered All of the turtles reentered the water successfully.the water successfully.

•• The turtles will be The turtles will be monitored to determine monitored to determine the long term success of the long term success of the rehabilitation program the rehabilitation program and their release back into and their release back into the wild.the wild.


Ready to go…Ready to go…

•• Sea Turtles lack Sea Turtles lack the ability to tuck the ability to tuck their heads inside their heads inside their shells like their shells like land turtles.land turtles.

•• The wide flippers The wide flippers replace the legs replace the legs characteristic of characteristic of land turtles.land turtles.


What distinguishes each What distinguishes each species of Sea Turtle?species of Sea Turtle?

•• The outer shell or carapace The outer shell or carapace is the primary feature used is the primary feature used in the identification of Sea in the identification of Sea Turtle species.Turtle species.

•• The number of The number of scutesscutes on on the carapace, their shape, the carapace, their shape, coloring and patterning is coloring and patterning is specific to each species.specific to each species.

•• The prefrontal scales The prefrontal scales located on the turtle’s head located on the turtle’s head are also used to distinguish are also used to distinguish each species.each species.


How many species of Sea Turtles How many species of Sea Turtles are there?are there?There are seven species of Sea Turtles. There are seven species of Sea Turtles.

•• Leatherback (Leatherback (DermochelysDermochelys coriaceacoriacea))•• Hawksbill (Hawksbill (EretmochelysEretmochelys imbricataimbricata))•• Loggerhead (Loggerhead (CarettaCaretta carettacaretta))•• Green (Green (CheloniaChelonia mydasmydas))•• Kemp's Kemp's ridleyridley ((LepidochelysLepidochelys kempiikempii))•• Olive Olive ridleyridley ((LepidochelysLepidochelys olivaceaolivacea))•• FlatbackFlatback ((NatatorNatator depressusdepressus))

Leatherback (Leatherback (DermachelysDermachelyscoriaseacoriasea))•• Largest of all Sea Largest of all Sea

Turtles.Turtles.•• Only Sea Turtle Only Sea Turtle

with a soft, with a soft, leathery shell.leathery shell.

•• Most in danger of Most in danger of extinction.extinction.

•• Largest reptile inLargest reptile inthe sea.the sea.

Photo Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Hawksbill Sea Turtle ((EretmochelysEretmochelys imbricataimbricata))

•• Known for their Known for their HawkHawk--like beak.like beak.

•• Often hunted for Often hunted for their beautiful their beautiful shell.shell.

Hawksbill photo credit Caroline Rogers

Loggerhead (Loggerhead (CarettaCaretta carettacaretta))

•• Known for Known for their large their large heads.heads.

•• Known to Known to migrate from migrate from Japan to Japan to Mexico.Mexico.

Photo Credit Marco Giuliano/FondazioneCetacea

Green Sea Turtle (Green Sea Turtle (CheloniaCheloniamydasmydas))

•• Largest of hardLargest of hard--shelled Sea Turtles.shelled Sea Turtles.

•• As an adult, the As an adult, the only Sea Turtle only Sea Turtle that is herbivorous.that is herbivorous.

•• Its diet of algae Its diet of algae and plants and plants contributes to its contributes to its green coloration.green coloration.

Photo Credit Turtle Traxearlham.edu

Kemp’s Ridley (Kemp’s Ridley (LepidopchylesLepidopchyleskempiikempii))•• Smallest of the Sea Turtles.Smallest of the Sea Turtles.•• Almost round shell is Almost round shell is

grayish green.grayish green.•• Named after the man who Named after the man who

first studied this turtle.first studied this turtle.•• Usually occupy muddy or Usually occupy muddy or

sandy bottom habitats sandy bottom habitats where they find their prey where they find their prey of jellyfish, fish and of jellyfish, fish and mollusks.mollusks.

•• Nest in a large group near Nest in a large group near Rancho Nuevo, Mexico.Rancho Nuevo, Mexico.

•• Distributed throughout the Distributed throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic seaboard .Atlantic seaboard .

Photo Credit: Cynthia Rubio and NPS

Olive Ridley (Olive Ridley (LepidochelysLepidochelysolivaceaolivacea))•• Named for its olive color.Named for its olive color.•• Heart shaped shell.Heart shaped shell.•• Most abundant sea turtle in Most abundant sea turtle in

the world.the world.•• The carapace is greater in The carapace is greater in

height than other Sea Turtles.height than other Sea Turtles.•• The females nest in enormous The females nest in enormous

numbers at the same time.numbers at the same time.•• As many as 60,000 get caught As many as 60,000 get caught

in fishing nets each year and in fishing nets each year and die.die.

•• OridaOrida, India has one of the , India has one of the largest Olive Ridley nesting largest Olive Ridley nesting sites in the world.sites in the world.

Photo Credit Kedar Gore

FlatbackFlatback ((NatatorNatator depressadepressa))

•• Indigenous to Indigenous to Australia and is the Australia and is the only turtle that does only turtle that does not have a range that not have a range that extends to another extends to another country.country.

•• So named because of So named because of its flat shell.its flat shell.

•• OliveOlive--gray elliptical gray elliptical shell with turned up shell with turned up edges.edges.

•• Lives in turbid, Lives in turbid, inshore waters.inshore waters.

How can beachgoers help Sea How can beachgoers help Sea Turtles?Turtles?

•• If sea turtle eggs are discovered If sea turtle eggs are discovered rolling around on the beach or in the rolling around on the beach or in the surf, leave the eggs alone. The eggs surf, leave the eggs alone. The eggs still contribute to the beach and still contribute to the beach and ocean ecosystems in the form of ocean ecosystems in the form of nutrients.nutrients.

•• If you find a nest that is eroding If you find a nest that is eroding away, contact the away, contact the FWC'sFWC's Wildlife Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1Alert Hotline at 1--888888--404404--3922.3922.

•• If you find a hatchling that is If you find a hatchling that is actively crawling to the surf, allow it actively crawling to the surf, allow it to continue its trek to the ocean to continue its trek to the ocean without interference. without interference.

•• If you find a hatchling that is not If you find a hatchling that is not actively crawling or appears sick, actively crawling or appears sick, injured or lethargic, contact the injured or lethargic, contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline. Do not put Wildlife Alert Hotline. Do not put these hatchlings in the water. They these hatchlings in the water. They will need rehabilitation before they will need rehabilitation before they return to the ocean.return to the ocean.

Photo Credit from article by Dr. Jean Lightner USDA

How can beachgoers protect How can beachgoers protect Sea Turtles?Sea Turtles?

•• Do not dig into a marked or Do not dig into a marked or unmarked nest to save eggs or unmarked nest to save eggs or hatchlings as a storm hatchlings as a storm approaches or recedes. approaches or recedes.

•• No one should transport eggs No one should transport eggs or hatchlings without or hatchlings without authorization from the FWC. authorization from the FWC. Eggs and/or hatchlings may not Eggs and/or hatchlings may not be kept in homes or personal be kept in homes or personal aquariums.aquariums.

•• Avoid lights on the beach Avoid lights on the beach during nesting season.during nesting season.

•• Allow nature’s own processes Allow nature’s own processes to continue uninterrupted by to continue uninterrupted by human contact.human contact.

Vanderbilt Beach Resort and other private facilities work to protect Sea Turtle nests on the beach by growing native plants, preventing foot traffic in nesting areas and practicing good stewardship of the beach and the sea.


Tagged and ready for reentry.Tagged and ready for reentry.


‘‘TilTil next time….next time….


For More Information……..For More Information……..•• For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Service’s For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Service’s

National Sea Turtle program, write to:National Sea Turtle program, write to:National Sea Turtle CoordinatorNational Sea Turtle Coordinator

U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service7915 7915 BaymeadowsBaymeadows Way, Suite 200Way, Suite 200Jacksonville, FL 32256Jacksonville, FL 32256

•• For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Service’s For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Service’s International Sea Turtle program, write to:International Sea Turtle program, write to:

International Sea Turtle SpecialistInternational Sea Turtle SpecialistU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceDivision of International ConservationDivision of International Conservation4401 North Fairfax Drive4401 North Fairfax DriveARLSQ ARLSQ -- Room 200Room 200Arlington, VA 22203Arlington, VA 22203--16221622

•• Additional Websites:Additional Websites:Seaturtle.orgSeaturtle.org/tracking: See satellite tracking of sea turtles/tracking: See satellite tracking of sea turtlesSave the turtles at Save the turtles at www.costaricaturtles.comwww.costaricaturtles.com

SAFE PASSAGE!SAFE PASSAGE!

Special thanks to the manySpecial thanks to the manygroups and individuals whose information and groups and individuals whose information and photographs contributed to this presentation.photographs contributed to this presentation.

Education

Sea Turtle Release