Rookery Bay News

Rookery Bay Sea Turtle interns “See” Sea Turtle Hatchlings on the Move!

It’s officially sea turtle hatchling season in Southwest Florida! It’s been a great season in Collier County and Rookery Bay Research Reserve with a 27% increase in sea turtle nests.

From the County’s most northern beach, Barefoot Beach, to the far reaches of Ten Thousand Islands in Rookery Bay Research Reserve, more than 1,800 nests have been discovered and as of July 18, 2022, 150 hatched nests! The Friends of Rookery Bay’s lucky summer interns Kayla and Camille got to witness four little turtles make their journey into the Gulf of Mexico last week on Morgan Beach in Cape Romano. What a thrill! 

As Floridians spend time on the beaches this summer, it is important to remember a few tips to help these endangered animals survive:  

  • Clean up debris. At the end of each day, pick up all beach chairs, umbrellas, gazebos and trash.  
  • Keep it dark. Turn off beach lights and use turtle-friendly flashlights at night.  
  • Keep it flat. Fill holes and knock down sandcastles that might be obstacles to turtles.  

 

Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters. We are committed to preservation through research, education, and land protection.

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