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As Nesting Season Begins, FWC Wants Public's Help To Continue Keeping Sea Turtles Safe

FWC's Flickr
Leatherback Turtle Nesting

Turtle nesting season is underway, and Florida wildlife officials are urging the public to be cautious of the sea creatures during this crucial time.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Bekah Nelson says clearing away beach furniture, not shining lights, or taking photos of the turtles from a distance are just some ways to help.

“Everybody of course wants to see them because it’s such an awesome thing to see sea turtles and their hatchlings, but keep a distance from the nest—whether the eggs are visible or not—and keep a distance from the hatchlings,” she said.

Nelson says in fact, just making people more aware has actually helped certain turtle species.

“Part of a distinct subpopulation that scientists were concerned was in decline and that was the loggerhead turtles, but nest numbers from 2015 show that there were 1,499 loggerhead turtle nests documented in the Gulf Coast counties,” she added.

Those areas include Franklin, Gulf, Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. The season started Sunday and ends October 31st.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.