Sea turtles, which are among the oldest creatures on earth, have
remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years; however, they
face an uncertain future. Illegal harvesting, habitat
encroachment, and pollution (physical and light) are only some
of the things sea turtles must face as each species struggles to
stay alive.
FWC helps to protect and conserve marine turtles and their
habitat through:
The management program (ISM) is primarily responsible for the
management efforts of marine turtle recovery. Staff
participate in decisions regarding coastal construction activities,
land acquisition and management of nesting beaches and foraging
habitats. Staff review and comment on permits for coastal
construction activity, environmental resource permits, beach
renourishment projects, beach lighting ordinances, and beach
cleaning practices. Field evaluations of proposed and
permitted activities are conducted to recommend and evaluate the
success of marine turtle protection measures.
Coordination of research and management activities is
accomplished through various means, including the administration of
a marine
turtle permit system. Through a cooperative agreement
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the FWC reviews, issues,
and administers permits for both research and management
activities conducted with marine turtles within the state.
Staff also monitors marine turtles held in captive/holding
facilities.
To
report someone disturbing a sea turtle nest or
an injured, dead, or harassed Sea Turtle
Call: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
Cellular phone *FWC or #FWC
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