Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
First Nests of Sea Turtle Season on West End of Sanibel
SCCF has documented a total of 8 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nests so far this season. The first three nests were laid last week along the westernmost section of Sanibel near Blind Pass, with the first nest of the season documented on April 30.
Earlier this week, 3 more nests were laid on Sanibel’s West End, the first of which was depredated by coyotes the same night it was laid.
On May 6, the first nests were laid on Captiva and Sanibel’s East End. Unfortunately, once again, both nests were depredated by coyotes before our team arrived and had a chance to apply a screen to help discourage depredation.
These nests mark the first of hundreds more loggerhead nests to be laid on Sanibel and Captiva this nesting season, which runs through October. The nests are staked off and will be monitored throughout incubation by staff and volunteers during daily morning surveys.
Daily morning surveys are conducted on Captiva, and in three areas on Sanibel:
- East End (Lighthouse Beach to Tarpon Bay Beach)
- West End (Tarpon Bay Beach to Bowman’s Beach)
- Westernmost End (Bowman’s Beach to Blind Pass)
The team is placing screens on top of the nests, using a stronger and larger screen than in the past to help prevent depredation. They are also experimenting with decoy nests to decrease depredation.
“Decoy nests are intentionally placed artificial nests designed to mimic real sea turtle nests, potentially diverting coyotes toward non-viable targets and reducing depredation pressure by decreasing the reliability of visual cues associated with locating active nests,” said Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan.
To help protect sea turtles, remember to:
- Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles
- Turn off/shield all lights visible from the shore after 9 p.m., and DON’T use flashlights on the beach
- Remove beach furniture, equipment, and trash, which pose hazards to turtles
- Keep your distance from marked sea turtle nests, and do not disturb nesting sea turtles
To report lighting issues, sea turtle hazards on the beach, information related to nests, or turtle strandings on Sanibel or Captiva, please call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663 (978-SAVE-ONE).