Nesting Notes: Predators on the beach

September 8, 2026 | Be the first to comment

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Sunset release Beachgoers gather to see a hatchling released by AMITW volunteer Maureen Richmond the week beginning Aug. 31. Islander Photo: Courtesy AMITW/Jeff Richmond
Krysta’s travels As of Sept. 3, Krysta — the loggerhead tagged with a satellite tracker in late June at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach — was in ninth place of 11 sea turtles in the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s Tour de Turtles swim marathon. Krysta had logged 562 miles since being tagged and 140 miles since the marathon began Aug. 2. To follow the marathon, which continues through Oct. 31, go to tourdeturtles.org. There also is an STC Turtle Tracker app. Islander Screenshot

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring found no new sea turtle nests the week beginning Aug. 31, but the team documented 20 hatched nests that produced 1,469 hatchlings.

AMITW also reported that predators, including coyotes and raccoons, were digging up nests, eating eggs and some hatchlings.

If predation levels get higher, AMITW will consult with the state about management options, like caging and screening nests.

 

By the numbers

As of Sept. 4, AMITW reported 459 nests. 567 false crawls, 209 hatched nests and 14,683 hatchlings produced.

— Lisa Neff

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