Promoting the conservation of endangered and threatened marine turtles in Northeast Florida

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ABOUT BSTP

Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol (BSTP) is making the world a better place for sea turtles on Jacksonville’s beaches. We document strandings for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, and transport debilitated turtles to rehab facilities. Holding a permit issued by Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), BSTP performs foot patrols, conducts nesting surveys, and protects marine sea turtles. We proudly serve the beaches as a 501(c)(3) award-winning, non-profit organization.

GOOD TO KNOW

  1. Nesting Season: May 1 – October 31
  2. Local Turtles: Loggerheads, Greens, and Leatherbacks
  3. Endangered & Protected: Sea turtles are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act (1973) and Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes).

NEWSWORTHY & NOTABLE

  • The “Turtle Talks” Activity Book is now available for free download here.
  • The BSTP 2023 volunteer application period is now closed. Thank you to all who expressed an interest.
  • Read the 2022 BSTP Newsletter.
  • The 2022 #CleanDarkFlat collectible coffee mug is SOLD OUT! Participating locations were Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, Breezy Coffee Shop Wine Bar, Cup of Jōb, Jax Beach Brunch Haus, Round Bird Coffee Shop, and the Beaches Energy Services office at city hall. Please stop in a thank them for participating. All proceeds support BSTP’s conservation activities.

2022 CleanDarkFlat mug design

WE’RE CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, established in 1991, marks 30 years of protecting sea turtles on Jacksonville’s beaches. Over the past three decades, there have been many milestones and memories. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

2022 NEST UPDATE

93

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ADOPT A NEST

Monitoring effort: 12km of area, 168 survey days by 45 volunteers.

Total nests: 98 (4 leatherbacks, 94 loggerheads)
Total false crawls: 41 (all loggerheads)
Nests inventoried: 91, producing ~
~ Total Eggs: 9,614
~ Hatched eggs: 8,507
~ Emerged hatchlings: 8,121

Nests impacted by storm-related events: 17
Obstructed Nesting Attempts: 8
Human disturbances: 6
Disorientations: 6
Animal predations: 8
Strandings (YTD): 4

DO YOUR PART TO KEEP SEA TURTLES SAFE

Keep our beaches CLEAN, DARK & FLAT

  • Make sure turtles don’t mistake trash for food by keeping the beaches CLEAN of debris.
  • Keep the beaches DARK by not using flashlights or flash photography at night. These lights can disrupt nesting and disorient turtles trying to make their way back to the ocean.
  • Clear the way for turtles by filling in all holes and ruts to ensure FLAT beaches
  • Give nesting turtles plenty of space by keeping your distance.
  • Leave no trace behind. Take all of your belongings with you including chairs, umbrellas, and other gear.

Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol is a proud recipient of the 2020 Top-Rated Non-Profit Award from Great Nonprofits — the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofits. Thank you to all who shared their stories and for your continued support of our work with endangered sea turtles. Have an inspiring story? You can share it here.