SCCF: Sea turtle nesting reaches peak activity
With nesting season at its peak, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers have been working hard to mark and monitor a total of 388 sea turtle nests — 85 nests on Captiva and 303 on Sanibel as of June 16.
In preparation for the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s upcoming beach nourishment project, SCCF has been permitted to relocate new nests laid along the stretch of beach where construction will begin. The project is necessary for the eroding beach; however, nests will still be incubating at that time. To avoid impacts, SCCF had relocated 14 nests as of last week.
The SCCF also started a new research project to characterize the physical properties of sand along Sanibel and Captiva and evaluate how the variables affect the groundwater flow, moisture content and temperature inside the nest cavity. The project entails measuring sand size, color and compaction, and monitoring temperature and moisture sensors in the egg chamber. Groundwater wells placed near the nest will show how the groundwater level fluctuates and how it may influence hatchling success.
“Evaluating these covariates together will hopefully reveal how they impact embryonic development, nest fate and hatching and emergence success,” SCCF biologist Jack Brzoza said.
Visitors and residents are reminded to follow SCCF’s Coastal Wildlife Tips.
For information, visit SanCapLifeSavers.org.