Did you know that June 16th is World Sea Turtle Day (not to be confused with World Turtle Day which falls a month earlier on May 23rd)? It is! There are so many reasons to celebrate these fascinating aquatic reptiles. But wait, there’s more.
So what’s the big deal about World Sea Turtle Day here on the Gulf Coast of Florida? We’re really glad you asked. It’s not just about celebrating them; it’s also about learning how to protect, preserve and assist with the survival of the seven species of sea turtles here on Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beach, as well as across the globe. Here are a few of the many reasons why it’s important to us.
1. World Sea Turtle Day honors some of the Earth’s oldest inhabitants.
These beautiful reptiles have nested on our beaches for millions of years. Six of the seven species of sea turtles are found in the United States. They are:
- Loggerhead
- Green
- Leatherback
- Hawksbill
- Olive ridley
- Kemp’s ridley
2. World Sea Turtle Day brings attention on how to help sea turtles survive & thrive.
»Donate to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Wish List«
3. Learn the local impacts of World Sea Turtle Day.
About 25,000 loggerheads nest in the southeast U.S. each year. The majority of nesting in the southeast U.S. takes place along beaches from North Carolina to Florida. Sea turtle nesting season extends from May 1 through Oct. 31. Beginning April 1, Clearwater Marine Aquarium patrols a 26 mile stretch of beach throughout Pinellas County.
»Check out how the Florida Marine Aquarium in Clearwater helps protect and preserve our local Gulf Coast sea turtle population«
»Learn more about Sea Turtle Nesting and Hatching Season on Florida’s Gulf Coast at the Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa«
4. Become a sea turtle expert on World Sea Turtle Day.
Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can share your knowledge with others and help spread the word about how best to take care of sea turtles from Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beaches and beyond. Everybody can do something!
Our previous Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty sea turtle posts can help. Read up on everything you need to know about sea turtles on Florida’s Gulf Coast and then commit to making a difference. Tell your friends!
»Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins May 1 on Florida’s Gulf Coast«
»All You Need to Know About Sea Turtle Nesting Season on the Gulf Coast«
»Save the Sea Turtles«
»Test Your Sea Turtle IQ with this Quiz!«
Will you commit to doing one thing right now to make a big difference in the life of a sea turtle? Thank you in advance!
