Childhood turtle rescue inspires student to pursue marine biology

When Caleb Jameson was 8 years old, he was too young to help at the turtle disorientation event that his mother Brenda was attending with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. While the adults were doing paperwork, he decided to go look for turtle tracks.

Walking the beach, Jameson found a tiny turtle hatchling that was covered with fire ants. He ran back to the Turtle Watch members, and together they were able to rescue the hatchling. 

Jameson said that this moment was the turning point in deciding what he wanted to do with his life. He started attending the turtle walks every week with his mother to learn everything he could from the Turtle Watch.

At 12 years old, Jameson was the youngest Turtle Watch member to get certified under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

He is now attending New College of Florida for a degree in marine biology and volunteering with the turtle tagging program through Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. He is also interning with the Anna Maria Turtle Watch this year.

With his Florida and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission certificate, Jameson can partake in all Turtle Watch activities. He helps with tracking turtles, marking nests, nest patrol, rescuing and attending nesting events such as turtle disorientation.

Jameson also helps with the weekend turtle walks on Longboat Key during the summer. Turtle Watch members arrive at the beach at 6 a.m. to look for turtle tracks and mark nests.

At 6:45 a.m., the public is welcome to come to learn about turtle tracks, tips on how to protect turtles, how the group marks a turtle nest and other fun facts. 

Connie Schindewolf leads the events. She's been a part of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch since 1983. 

“I remember that day Caleb found his first hatchling,” said Schindewolf. “Just like when Caleb was little, seeing the kids light up when they learn about turtles is my favorite part."

The Turtle Watch provides activity books for children to take home and learn more about what they saw on the turtle walk. 

Just like Jameson, children can start young, learning about local sea turtles by joining the Turtle Watch's Sea Turtle Defender Club for no cost. This includes learning opportunities about what the Turtle Watch does such as a behind-the-scenes tour of Mote Marine Sea Turtle Hospital and exclusive turtle nest excavations.