Published September 2015, Updated October 9, 2025
Sea turtle nesting season is coming to a close here on the Gulf Coast of Florida (it ends at the end of October). By all accounts 2015 was a good season, despite some storms and inclement weather. There are a lot of sea turtle success stories! A special shout out goes to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) for all of their education, assistance and work with our local sea turtles, hatchlings and nests.
Here are some of the highlights of sea turtle nesting season in 2015.
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Found on Madeira Beach
In the summer of 2015, the CMA responded to a call regarding 10 disoriented hatchlings found on on Madeira Beach. They were brought back to the aquarium for monitoring and once deemed healthy, they were returned to the beach for their big adventure back to sea.
Watch this clip and see how their life journey begins. Get ready to say, “Awwwww!” more than a few times. They are just so stinkin’ cute.
17 Sea Turtle “Washbacks” Rescued, Treated & Released
With over 70 sea turtle nests washed out by storms in 2015, hope lies with the 17 flippered fighters that were treated at the CMA. These “washbacks”, as they’re called, made it to the ocean but encountered harsh water conditions and rough seas that resulted in them finding their way back to land. After some TLC by the CMA staff, the young sea turtles were returned to the weed line (which is their natural habitat) where they can learn to survive and can find some protection by the vegetation as they adjust to life in the open waters. With help from a couple of local businesses, the sea turtles were placed at a favorable location 50-80 miles off the coastline to continue their life at sea.
CMA Sea Turtle Success Stories 2015
Charger, Ricky Bobby, Yoda, California, Yankovic, Urchin, Quest, Volusia, and Tamiami are only some of the names of the sea turtles that found success this year after rescue, rehabilitation and release from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Each has a unique story that landed them at the CMA; and every one has overcome to return back to the natural habitat.
Thank you, thank you very much!
Thank you, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, for all that you do! There are many reasons to put the CMA on your Gulf Coast vacation itinerary, and this is only one of them. You can buy discounted tickets to Clearwater Marine Aquarium from Plumlee Vacation Rentals. Call a local Reservationist at 1-866-921-1166 for more information.
