{"id":1514,"date":"2024-01-03T11:27:38","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T16:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?post_type=program&p=1514"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:22:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T21:22:42","slug":"sea-turtle-conservation-research","status":"publish","type":"program","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/research\/program\/sea-turtle-conservation-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Sea Turtle Conservation & Research"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A sea turtle nest marked with yellow stakes and pink flagging tape on Turtle Beach, Siesta Key, Florida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mote Marine Laboratory\u2019s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) has documented sea turtle activities and the status of shoreline habitat along 35 miles of coastline since 1982. This area contains portions of Sarasota and Manatee counties and hosts the highest density of loggerhead sea turtle (<\/span>Caretta caretta<\/i>) nests in the Gulf waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

The program supports conservation of marine turtles through the collection of fundamental biological data about nesting and hatching of sea turtles. Data collected contributes to the overall understanding of nesting trends utilized by local, state, and federal entities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Program scientists lead research using our long-term datasets and study sea turtles’ natural behavior to quantify how sea turtle nesting populations are adapting over time, help to identify important habitats for sea turtles, and answer critical questions about sea turtle behavior. These findings help us understand how we can reduce the human impacts on nesting beaches and better conserve these keystone species.<\/p>\n

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\nNesting numbers of both loggerhead (Caretta caretta<\/em>) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas<\/i>) in the region have been growing exponentially since the early 2000s. Annually nests of rare species are also documented, including of Kemp\u2019s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii<\/i>) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea<\/i>).<\/p>\n

However, sea turtles still need our help. They face a variety of threats including predator activity on incubating nests and hatchlings, disorientation of females and\/or hatchlings due to artificial lighting visible from the beach, interactions with beach furniture, and negative interactions with humans. In the ocean, sea turtles are seeing an increased risk from pollution and boat strikes. Education of the public helps to decrease many of these threats.<\/p>\n

We work closely with our communities, educating and encouraging the public to help sea turtles<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Program Details<\/h2>\n
\n \n Current Collaborations\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program (STCRP) partners with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch (LBKTW)<\/a> to monitor nesting beaches on Longboat Key. LBKTW hosts a number of events throughout the year that encourages the public to learn more about sea turtles.<\/p>\n

Staff at STCRP work with many researchers across the globe to assess sea turtle behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scientists and Researchers<\/b><\/h6>\n