Mid-Season Sea Turtle Nest Counts in Orchid

The sea turtle nesting season begins annually on March 1st and runs until October 31st for Indian River County. During the nesting season, the county’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program coordinates a daily countywide nest monitoring effort. Every track made by emerging sea turtles that occurs within the county is identified by species, behavior, and GPS location.  Some interesting facts about nest tracking:

• Permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are required to handle and interact with sea turtles.
• Not every turtle emergence results in a nest.
• The county and its consultants do not physically mark every nest; usually only those that are in high-traffic or vulnerable areas.

The nests that are marked off are recognizable by a perimeter of wooden stakes and flagging tape. These are checked every day until they hatch. 3 days after they hatch, a permitted biologist will inventory the nest contents to evaluate that nest’s reproductive success.

All sea turtles are protected species since their populations are threatened and endangered. If a resident is lucky enough to come across an adult or hatchling, it is best to enjoy the animal from a distance and not to touch them. If a dead, sick, or injured turtle is located, please call the Hotline at (888) 404-3922.

See the map provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to find out where you can enjoy a permitted night walk or daytime nest inventory.

The best way beachgoers can directly help our beloved sea turtles is:

• To leave the beach cleaner than you found it,
• Leave the beach flat by knocking down the castles and filling in holes daily,
• Remove beach furniture daily so nesting adult turtles have fewer obstructions,
• Every night, turn off all artificial lights that can be seen from the beach.

Nesting activity can vary from season to season and from beach to beach. Sea turtles require sandy beaches for suitable nesting locations. All nesting activity is being monitored to ensure nourishment activities do not have a negative impact on sea turtle nesting success. In the table below, please find information about the sea turtle count in Orchid so far this season compared with results from prior years and the county as a whole. The county makes available a variety of infographics related to the sea turtle counts.

The above information was provided by Indian River County's Coastal Division, which manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Program.