Hundreds Of Young Sea Turtles Contine To Wash Up On Volusia Beaches

Posted

Volusia County, FL - As the close of sea turtle nesting season approaches, hundreds of washbacks continue to show up on the shores of Volusia County Beaches.

Due to persistent onshore winds and big surf, debris and seaweed continue to be washed ashore in Volusia County, and that seaweed frequently brings young sea turtles with it. When the washbacks come ashore, they're vulnerable to dehydration and predation, and they frequently don't have the energy necessary to make the long swim back offshore to the floating seaweed beds. That's why officials urge beachgoers to not put sea turtles back into the water. Washbacks should be taken to the closest lifeguard tower or station on damp sand or a damp towel. All sea turtles are threatened or endangered, so it's important that washbacks are taken care of, rather than left on the beach or put back in the ocean.

Washbacks are then taken to Volusia County's Marine Science Center where they're rehabilitated at the turtle hospital.

Sea turtle nesting season lasts through Oct. 31 and officials continue to check all the remaining marked nests daily. If you see a nesting adult sea turtle or hatchlings making their way to the ocean, keep your distance. Stand far away and remain calm and quiet. If a turtle looks like it's in danger, let a lifeguard or beach safety officer know. Beachgoers can also call Beach Safety at 386-239-6414 ext. 0 or 386-424-2345 (in New Smyrna Beach). Between the hours of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., call 386-248-1777 ext. 1. Beachgoers can also call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922. For more information about Volusia County’s sea turtle program, call 386-238-4668 or visit VolusiaSeaTurtles.org.

Photo courtesy Friends of the Marine Science Center.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.