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FWC Surveys Record Number Of Green Sea Turtle Nests

Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission via flickr

Florida’s wildlife management agency is announcing a record number of green sea turtle nests this year. That's in spite of impacts from Hurricane Irma.

Florida’s green sea turtles are continuing their recovery, after being removed from the endangered species list in 2016. 30 years ago, state scientists recorded only 464 green sea turtle nests.

This year, the number is closer to 39,000 says Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman Michelle Kerr.

“[That] could be surprising for the normal person because of the intense storm season that we had. Hurricanes definitely did a number on our coasts. But sea turtles actually have a nesting strategy that accommodates natural storm events,” Kerr said.

The recent count is part of a preliminary beach survey. More comprehensive numbers will come in early 2018.

As a Tallahassee native, Kate Payne grew up listening to WFSU. She loves being part of a station that had such an impact on her. Kate is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. With a background in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Kate has a broad range of multimedia experience. When she’s not working, you can find her rock climbing, cooking or hanging out with her cat.