Space and Treasure Coast Florida

[wreckdiver1715]

This weekend marks the start of nesting season for the three species of turtles that make there nest along the Space and Treasure Coast. These turtles are the Leatherbacks an endangered species, and the loggerhead and Green turtles that are threatened and are all protected by state and federal law. The sea turtles return to the beach that they were born on and lay there eggs every year from May thru October. The nesting is mainly concentrated from Cape Canaveral in the north, to Wabasso Beach in the south.
County officials said that they are in the final phase of beach restoration along Florida?s Space and Treasure Coast, and these dredging and imported sand buildup projects will continue in spite of the start of turtle nesting season. However, UCF has a program to monitor and mark the locations of new nests. I assume to prevent contractors from disturbing the nest.
However, many of us have watched contractors for the county ignore the laws, as state and county bureaucrats turn a blind eye. The Third Ave wreck in Vero Beach is a perfect example of contractors just getting the job done with total disregard for the remains of a protected shipwreck that they bulldozed while cleaning debris from the beach after last years hurricane season.
As many of you are local, and many of you that are from out of town, and treasure hunt these beaches, I beseech every one of you to report the destruction of any nest along the beach. As citizens it is our responsibility to hold our elected officials responsible.
Additionally, Do not disturb any nest while treasure hunting. Do not use flash lights or any source of illumination after dark while on the beach, and please do not approach the turtles as they come up the beach, as this will scare them back into the ocean. Once they have dug the nest and start laying eggs it?s OK to come closer to watch, but be very quiet and respect these creatures of Mother Earth.
If you see violators, contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at (321) 676-1701.

Thanks and best of luck to everyone during this new treasure hunting season.

Q

 

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[surfrat96]

Additionally, Do not disturb any nest while treasure hunting. Do not use flash lights or any source of illumination after dark while on the beach, and please do not approach the turtles as they come up the beach, as this will scare them back into the ocean. Once they have dug the nest and start laying eggs it?s OK to come closer to watch, but be very quiet and respect these creatures of Mother Earth.
If you see violators, contact the Sea Turtle Preservation Society at (321) 676-1701.

Thanks and best of luck to everyone during this new treasure hunting season.

Q

It's funny that I just read your post! Wished I would have read it earlier! I was hunting thewer sand at low tide this morning about 5 a.m. and had my headlamp on. A girl with an ATV drove up to me and asked me to turn it off because of the turtles. I said "no problem" and shut it off. I didn'nt know that this was the nesting season, as I've never been bothered before.

 

[billinstuart]

Gonna be interesting to see if the sand consistency of the crap on the beaches will support nesting activity. Not just nest digging, but will the temperature of the buried eggs be at a temperature to support incubation. And can the baby turkles dig outa the stuff after it has consolidated? Even the general public is beginning to question the "renourishment" process. The Corps of Engineers should be shot.

 

[Lee-MI-MI]

I just got back from Melborne Beach. While there I saw turtle tracks twice in the same place. First time it went about 2/3 of the way to the dune then back. What bothered me was that there were human foot prints from the shore to the nesting site and bucket marks at the edge of the nesting hole.

The second time, the next day, the tracks went all the way to the dune then the return trail appeared as if the turtle was dragged back to the water. Again, bucket marks at the edge of the nesting hole.

I told the park guard at Sebastian Inlet and he did not seem too interested. I told the owner of the campground we were staying at and they did not seem to know anything about it and did not seem very concerned at all.

Now, after reading these posts, I wonder if the owner of the house at the top of the dune was trying to keep the turtle away from "his" beach and removing the eggs so no turtles would ever come back to "his" beach. I imagine that if they do this often enough they can eliminate the turtle problem on the beach so they can have free run of the beach.

 

[mvSWAT]

Lee, that's a hard story to swallow but I wonder how often it really happens? I would hope not, all for the love of money.

 

[Floater]

Only two explanations for Li's account of what he saw. 1.A poacher 2. Wildlife official taking some for incubation and study. I fear the first.

 

[Lee-MI-MI]

I don't think anyone that was going to try to incubate the eggs for a better hatch or whatever would have dragged the turtle back to the water the second time.

Lee

 

[mad4wrecks]

Ah, turtle nesting season, and just in time because I am fed up with eating so much manatee! Manatee steaks, manatee soup, manatee fondue, manatee jerky, manatee pie!

 

[wreckdiver1715]

Being from Texas in the day, I like my manatee BBQ'd

Q

 

[Joe Kapusta]

I have been told, by an old friend and lifetime resident, that it is now against the law to use metal detectors on the beach in Vero. He claims he was stopped by authorities last year, as he was beggining his search. The reason: metal detectorists disturb sea turtle nests, and the new law is meant to protect them. I don't believe he'd BS me

 

[billinstuart]

Whose law? The state owns the beaches. Turtle nests are usually taped off with flagging to protect them. And much of the property ajacent to the beach at Vero is county, not city. BTW, if you've never tried manatee, it tastes just like bald eagle.......

 

[FISHEYE]

if you see anyone messing with turtle eggs or the mothers,get some pics and or videos,even if its state or gov workers.if you find any injured turtles contact richie at the turtle hospital in marathon in the keys,hes a good friend of mine.

 

[FISHEYE]

More beach erosion comming our way soon!