A state investigation into the alleged tampering of a sea turtle nest in Bradenton Beach has been closed, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch Shorebird Monitoring Group executive director Kristen Mazzarella.
“I’ve heard from the FWC biologists that they have located the offending party,” Mazzarella said in a July
16 interview. “I am unaware of what they (FWC) did or if they’re still in contact with them. But the case, as far as I know, is closed.”
The Islander reached out to FWC public information officer Ashley Sklute about the incident but, as of Islander press time July 28, there was no response.
The incident occurred the night of July 9. Witnesses reported to authorities that people were digging into a marked sea turtle nest, removing hatchlings and carrying them toward the Gulf.
AMITW volunteers later inspected the nest and found evidence of human disturbance. “There was digging in the nest cavity,” Mazzarella said.
She added, “Later, on that night, there was a disorientation of a bunch of remaining hatchlings that had come out after everybody had left.”
However, a nest inventory performed by AMITW
72 hours later revealed that most hatchlings — 131 — appeared to have reached the water.
Mazzarella encouraged beachgoers to respect marked nests, avoid shining lights on turtles and report suspicious activity to AMITW at 941-301-8434.
Tampering with a sea turtle nest is a violation of state and federal law, with potential fines and jail time.