
All of us at the Good Guardian Collective learned some exciting news during a recent call this week with Kristen Mazzarella, Executive Director, of Anna Maria Turtle Watch, Inc. This year, Anna Maria Island has become a veritable haven for loggerhead turtles! With a remarkable 685 nests recorded along our beautiful Gulf Coast, it’s been a nesting season to remember. Previous seasons average between 400-500 per year, so this year stands out as spectacular!
A Nesting Phenomenon
Loggerhead turtles, with their distinctive heart-shaped shells and large, expressive eyes, have chosen Anna Maria Island as their preferred nesting ground. Each year, these incredible creatures travel thousands of miles to return to the beaches where they hatched. This year, the turtles showed us just how much they love our coastlines. Kristen reported that all viable nests, but eight, hatched successfully before the hurricanes, sending tiny, determined hatchlings scampering towards the waves before the arrival of Hurricane's Helene and Milton. We are so grateful.
The Journey to the Sea
Watching loggerhead hatchlings make their way to the ocean is a magical sight. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but instinct guides them as they dash toward the shimmering horizon. The fact that so many of them made it out to sea before the hurricanes speaks volumes about the health of our coastal ecosystem this year.
Why Healthy Coastlines Matter
The significance of these nesting successes extends beyond just numbers. Healthy coastlines provide essential habitats for loggerhead turtles. They rely on sandy beaches not only for nesting but also for finding food and shelter. They relie on dune and coastal sea grass and plants to block out the light from coastal homes to ensure the hatchlings find their way back to the gulf. Unfortunately, factors such as pollution, coastal development, and climate change threaten these vital environments. That’s why efforts to protect our shorelines are crucial.
Every nest represents a potential new generation of loggerhead turtles. By nurturing healthy coastlines, we ensure that these amazing creatures have the resources they need to thrive. This year’s impressive nesting count is a testament to the positive impact of conservation efforts and community awareness provided by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Inc and the island locals.
Celebrating Our Turtles
As we celebrate the success of our loggerhead turtles on Anna Maria Island, let’s remember to do our part in protecting these magnificent creatures. One of the best ways to honor them is by volunteering for beach clean-ups. There are many throughout the year organized by The Center of Anna Maria Island and to consider joining the upcoming community impact project to renourish our shores through planting! These simple actions, along with minimizing plastic use and spreading the word about turtle conservation, can make a big difference.
So, when are beach is in active healing and we are back to safely lounging on the beach, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey of the loggerhead turtles and their remarkable nesting success this year on Anna Maria Island. With community support and continued conservation efforts, we can ensure that Anna Maria Island remains a vital sanctuary for these enchanting turtles for generations to come!
Keep an eye out for our little friends next nesting season, and let’s continue to cherish and protect our coastlines together! 🐢✨
Photo Credit: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, Inc.
For more information and education about sea turtles and shore birds on Anna Maria Island visit: www.islandturtlewatch.com
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