Longboat Key Turtle Watch records first nests of 2024

Although tourist season is coming to a close, a new season is now on Longboat Key — sea turtle nesting. 

On May 3, volunteers with Longboat Key Turtle Watch recorded the first sea turtle nest on the Manatee County side of Longboat Key. It was the first on that half of the island, which is where most of the organization's efforts are. 

The nest was laid by a loggerhead sea turtle, the most common sea turtle in the area. In 2023, there were 978 loggerhead and 12 green turtle nests on Longboat Key. 

Patrols by LBKTW and other organizations from Anna Maria Island to Venice began on April 15, before the official start of sea turtle season on May 1. 

The first nest recorded by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium this season was found on April 28 on Venice Beach. 

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Since the first recorded nest on Longboat, LBKTW President Tim Thurman said sea turtle activity keeps going. 

“Once it starts, it doesn’t stop,” Thurman said. “And it keeps getting busier and busier.”

That includes both nests and false crawls, which is when a sea turtle comes on shore to lay a nest but turns back for the water without laying eggs.

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The start of nesting season on May 1 also means the start of enforcement of Longboat Key’s sea turtle-related ordinances. That includes keeping the beaches dark and clean, eliminating light that is visible from the beach and making sure items like beach chairs are removed from the beach. 

Following those ordinances is important, Thurman said, because in 2023 Longboat Key was among the top three communities with the highest disorientation rates in the state. 

“Longboat continues to have a lot of problems with sea turtle disorientations,” said Thurman. “Longboat continues to be one of the highest in the state.”

A disorientation is when a nesting turtle or hatchlings become confused with artificial lights and veer off course. 

Thurman emphasized the importance of turning off artificial lights during nesting season or replacing bulbs with turtle-safe lighting. 

For those interested in learning more about LBKTW and its efforts, the organization hosts free, public beach walks every Saturday morning starting on June 1.