First loggerhead nest of season hatches on islands
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that the first loggerhead nest of the season to hatch on the islands hatched on June 26 on Captiva, signaling the beginning of many to come.
As of June 25, the SCCF had documented 554 loggerhead nests and one leatherback nest — 422 nests on Sanibel and 133 nests on Captiva — putting the islands on track for a solid nesting season.
The public can help to protect nesting females and hatchlings by keeping the beaches clean, flat and dark through the following measures:
– Turn off lights and flashlights on and near the beach after 9 p.m. Artificial lights disorient hatchlings and may deter nesting females.
– Fill in holes, flatten sandcastles and remove beach furniture. These can all create obstacles to both hatchlings and nesting sea turtles.
– Properly dispose of food and trash.
To report issues with nests, hatchlings, sea turtles, or lighting or furniture compliance, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.
For more ways to protect and care for sea turtles, visit https://sancaplifesavers.org/.