Sea turtle nesting activity continues to build on Anna Maria Island, with nest totals tracking closely with the 2023 season, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird executive director Kristen Mazzarella.
The busiest weeks of nesting season are still ahead, with sea turtles expected to lay many more nests in the coming weeks.
AMITW, in a weekly report on June 12, asked that people on the beach at night allow sea turtles to nest without disturbance.
“Please do not use any light (it’s the LAW!),” AMITW said. “Keep your distance from the turtle and stay behind her and out of her way when she is making her way back to the water. Sea turtles may get spooked while nesting and leave without depositing eggs … even after digging an egg chamber.”
Some other tips:
- Check the area for turtle crawls before placing canopies and beach chairs.
- Remove beach furniture, gear and toys at night.
- Fill in holes.
- Keep at least 5 feet from posted sea turtle nests.
- Do not use flashlights, cellphones, flash photography or fishing lamps on the beach at night.
- Do not approach nesting turtles or shine lights at turtles.
AMITW also is keeping watch over two active shorebird colonies in Bradenton Beach.
AMITW’s Kathy Doddridge reported on June 12 that there are 27 black skimmers on eight nests, as well as 23 least terns on 12 nests.
AMITW’s report said the colonies persist despite predator threats.
Three least tern chicks hatched June 10-12.
Beachgoers are asked to respect the posted bird closures and keep their distance from the nesting birds, which, if agitated, may abandon the nests.
Turtle talks with AMITW
AMITW’s Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts is a free weekly presentation at 10 a.m. Mondays through August at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
For more information, visit islandturtlewatch.com or call 941-301-8434.