First sea turtle hatchlings emerge on Siesta

Tropical Storm Debby was a perfectly devastating storm for sea turtle nests on Siesta Key, said Mote Marine Laboratory Senior Scientist Dr. Tony Tucker.

“We’ve never seen a storm that had that massive an impact,” he said. “And you know, it was kind of a wimpy storm.”

That seems to be the overarching mantra following the June tropical storm, which surprised coastal engineers and marine biologists with its intensity. “It just happened to be at the right place, at the right time, and moving in the right direction,” Tucker explained. Its slow pace created a large storm surge on Siesta beaches, which wiped out an estimated 1,000 nests.

But, a record sea-turtle nesting season, which has brought 322 nests to Siesta this year as of Saturday, Aug. 4, could help pad population numbers. In the same period in 2011, Mote recorded less than half the number of nests on the island.

Understanding what caused sea turtles to wriggle to shore to lay eggs in record numbers — the highest totals in the 31 years data has been collected — is complicated, Tucker said. One popular theory relies on the correlation between 10-year weather patterns, and the 30 years of sea turtle statistics available — which is minutes when the 80-year lifespan of the reptiles is considered.

“Each year, it takes hundreds of thousands of people to put one point on a graph,” he said.

All of that effort over three decades still explains little about sea turtle reproductive habits.

But, if the theory is correct, nesting numbers are reaching their 10-year cyclical peak, meaning any type of unnatural interruption in nesting habits or hatchlings’ path to the Gulf of Mexico, could have serious negative consequences on future turtle generations. That’s why Tucker and Mote staff are calling on volunteers to re-stake turtle nests, and join the 35-mile sea turtle beach patrols.

And the marine research organization is reaching out to the hospitality industry to help avoid light that could distract hatchlings. “The mantra is to keep it low, keep it long and keep it shielded.” The light should have low wattage and be located close to the ground, he explained. And the bulb should have a long wavelength, like amber and red bulbs emit. Mote Marine services roughly 200 hotels in the area, helping hand out pamphlets and doorknob hangers.

“It’s a never-ending educational task,” Tucker said. “As a tourism destination, Siesta Key draws people from around the country. If they’re from Alaska they probably don’t know anything about turtles,” he said.

TURTLE TIPS
Mote Marine Laboratory public relations specialist Hayley Rutger provided the Pelican Press with some tips to help sea turtle hatchlings brave beach denizens and reach the Gulf of Mexico safely.
• If you encounter a nesting turtle, remain quiet and observe from a distance
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October
• Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water
• Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water
• Place trash in its proper place
• Do not approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles
• Do not use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach
• Do not encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water
• Do not use fireworks on the beach