Turtle Tracks Newsletter July 2018

Meeting Updates

This month Mr. Brian Vest, founder of the local non-profit Conch Republic Marine Army, will be the featured guest speaker. Brian will speak about his experiences in life post-Irma and his efforts with getting the Conch Republic Marine Army founded and with ongoing, all volunteer, relief efforts to help the Keys community clean up land and marine environments from the large amounts of debris that remains. Brian has recently partnered with several dive organizations to commence a dive program to remove underwater debris in areas of the National Marine Sanctuary. Brian will speak about the many volunteer opportunities that are present with the CRMA including the need for dive masters. This presentation is free to all, and family friendly. We hope to see you there. Monday August 6th 6:30 PM at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. 2396 Overseas Highway (Gulfside), Marathon, Florida

Harry Appel, President of SAT and Brian Vest, founder of CRMA will be interviewed live on Florida Keys US1 Radio on  Friday, August 3, 2018 at 5:10pm  (104.1 FM dial locally and  www.US1Radio.com  for worldwide live stream) They will be talking about the current efforts to clean the Keys marine environment and a bit of a preview to Monday’s presentation from Brian. If you miss the live interview, it will be archived on their website for 7 days!

Dangers that impact the Sea Turtles

Dead sea turtle caught in beach chair offers reminder... Beachgoers in Alabama are being told to pick up after themselves after a sea turtle was found dead caught in a chair. In a Facebook post that has now gone viral, Fort Morgan Share the Beach notes the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle was found... Read more globalnews.ca

Why the Red Tide Is Killing Florida's Sea Turtles The number of dead or ailing sea turtles washing up on Florida's southwestern coast has soared due to a prolonged algae bloom, raising concerns about the long-term impact on endangered turtle species. Since the start of the year, 287... Read more www.wsj.com

Florida Firefighters Rescue 3 Baby Sea Turtles From... Bon voyage! Read more www.insideedition.com

Turtle Nesting Updates

Sea Oats Beach is booming with turtle hatchlings ISLAMORADA - Loggerhead sea turtles returned in good numbers to Sea Oats Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key this year, surprising even their biggest supporters. "Basically we're seeing the same number of turtle nests that we saw at the same time last... Read more keysnews.com

Baby Flipper Tracks left in the sand by a recent hatch.

Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Inc. continues their daily sea turtle patrols for nesting through the Middle and Lower Keys. Nests have already begun successfully hatching, although there has also been at least 1 nest with hatchlings that were disorientated by improper lighting.

Shown here in this picture are some of the dedicated volunteers after a successful post-hatch excavation to collect data for FWC’s marine turtle oversight program. Anyone needing help with education or assistance regarding sea turtle friendly lighting (or any other sea turtle related concern), please email  President@Save-A-Turtle.org   If you’d like to become a volunteer for NEXT year’s nesting season, please email us! Flippers up!

This hatch produced 124 baby sea turtles that went to sea under cover of night. The photo on the left is an image of an egg that was not fertile. A second nest that recently hatched produced 102 baby sea turtles that went to sea. Flippers up for safe travels to the baby sea turtles!

We continue to receive requests from caring citizens on wanting to volunteer to do nesting patrols in the Keys. We do not establish the guidelines for the nesting program, that is all through the State of Florida. Unfortunately for the 2018 nesting season the training concluded in April. However you can prepare to volunteer for the 2019 nesting season by keeping a close eye on our newsletters and social media which is where we will post the training for 2019 as soon as the State of Florida announces the training. The training is always free, but it is mandatory at least every other year. Also, people must be 18 years of age or older. We are always looking for volunteers, and we appreciate everyone who wants to become a surveyor!

Tour De Turtles

Follow along with Coco and Little Money who were recently released in July from the Florida Keys! They are both being tracked with their movements along with other sea turtles that are in the Tour De Turtles.

© 2008 - 2017 Sea Turtle Conservancy, all rights reserved. The Sea Turtle Conservancy logo and turtle, and the Tour de Turtles logo are registered trademarks of Sea Turtle Conservancy. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ... Read more tourdeturtles.org

Help Support SAT with Eco Friendly Products

Chico Reusable Shopping Bag $6.50

Chico rePETe Produce Bag Single $4.99

Chico rePETe Produce Bag 3 Pak $12.99

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Don't Forget to renew your annual membership! Membership fees go 100% to the conservation of Sea Turtles.

Check out our newly designed website! Its Flipper Fantastic! Click Here Warning: the Awww factor on the Videos Page is pretty high!

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