Sea turtle volunteers serve as island stewards
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that sea turtle nesting surveys are done for the season, though three final green nests were being checked daily by volunteers as of Oct. 27. Now, staff will start analyzing the data collected from the season. Officials noted that the success of the program would not be possible without volunteers, who not only locate and monitor nests, but also work to maintain clean natural beaches and act as island stewards and ambassadors. Every day, they educate the public about sea turtles, fill in holes, identify beach furniture left out overnight and pick up trash. This season, east end volunteers picked up 1,470 gallons of trash off of the beach, helping to ensure a natural nesting habitat for the turtles. Pollution can entangle, impede or be ingested by turtles at all life stages with dire consequences.