The Only Place in Florida Where Bayside Turtle Nesting is Found...
Contact information for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch.
Learn more about the Anna Maria Island Sea Turtles.
Bayside Turtle Nesting
It's true. Anna Maria Island is the only location in all Florida where the local turtles nest bayside.
In fact, there have been nests at Bayfront Park for years in the city of Anna Maria.
According to Suzi Fox of the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, “This year, there were more nests south of the park. We had three nests south of the Anna Maria City Pier this year.”
What this means, the presence of the nests south of the pier, is the city of Anna Maria will have to be more vigilant than ever about artificial lighting close to the beach where there are turtle nests.
“I’ll have to get with Gerry, (Anna Maria Code Enforcement Officer Gerry Rathvon) to make sure we get the lights at the bay end of Pine Avenue into compliance next year. We don’t want to lose any hatchlings to disorientations.” says Fox.
There are lighting ordinances in place in all three Anna Maria Island Communities that mandate waterfront turtle safe lighting. We all know artificial lights that are unscreened, too high or too bright, can attract turtles from the water.
Stiff state and federal penalties could be applied to any property owner whose lighting causes harm or death to sea turtles.
There is lots of programs set up that help educate both the local residence as well as tourists about the turtle situation here on Anna Maria Island, and the importance of taking every step possible to ensure their safety... especially during nesting season.
- Learn more about This Years Turtle Nesting Season.
- Learn more about the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and what they do to help ensure the safety of the local sea turtle population.
- Learn more about Turtles and Exterior Lighting: Distressed Over Exterior Lights in Close Proximity to the Water.
- Learn why If You Come to Anna Maria Island, You Need to Come During Turtle Nesting Season.
- Learn more about Why We Love Our Anna Maria Island Turtles.
Welcome to Anna Maria Island Life.
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