Sea turtles need your help. A few of the things that have happened so far this nesting season:
A false crawl (turtle comes ashore to nest but returns to sea without depositing her eggs) that happened when the turtle tried to nest among stuff left on the beach.
Another false crawl that happened when people saw the turtle come ashore and got too close and took flash pictures.
A man called the Turtle Watch one evening and reported his dog barked and scared a turtle back into the water. More calls later in the evening about a turtle in the water looking to come onshore. Callers were asked to turn off their flashlights and leave the area, but no nest was found.
An early morning call from a tourist reporting a turtle on the beach the night before. The walker for that area missed the tracks, because there were almost none left that had not been trampled. The area supposed to be the nest was trampled also; no eggs were found by volunteers who dug looking for them. This one will not make it if there are eggs there, it is too close to the water. Probably too many people or too much stuff on the beach deterred her from coming farther up onto the beach and a safer location for a nest.
A turtle headed for the dune line fell into a hole and nested there; again probably too close to the water.
Another nest was missed by another walker, because it had been trampled beyond recognition. This one was found when someone on the beach told the walker about it. Volunteers were able to find those eggs.
A turtle came ashore and crossed the beach to the base of a partially covered sea wall, where the loose sand falling off the wall collapsed on her. It appears to be a nest, but the eggs were not found.
Few turtles are nesting here anymore, but the ones that do come have to fight for the only nesting habitat they have, which are our beaches at night. We have lights, noise, holes, loose dogs, flashlights, lots of people, lots of stuff, fireworks, seawalls, even portable dance floors down on the beach at night, and of course the ongoing dispute over who ?owns? what. But all of this is sea turtle nesting habitat, and that is the message that needs to be conveyed to everyone who uses the beaches.
For over a decade, the South Walton Turtle Watch has made numerous educational presentations, been the subject of countless newspaper articles, worked with the TDC and the county, and over that time the problems have gotten worse and the turtles have gotten fewer. The Turtle Watch is asking for help from the community to reach all these people on the beach at night so they know what to do, who to call if they see a turtle, how to behave to preserve nesting habitat, etc.
South Walton Turtle Watch wants help with brainstorming ideas to solve these problems and get the message out to everyone that the beaches at night are the only sea turtle nesting habitat there is and must be respected. The very same issues that make the beach a clean, pleasant experience for people are the issues that conserve nesting habitat.
If you have ideas or want to work on this, contact the Turtle Watch director, Sharon Maxwell, at swturtlewh@cox.net.
Replies
38Beach Fanatic
NDY, thanks for this post.
One of these days we will realize that turtles and their nests are essential to the ecology of the planet, much the same way we are realizing now how necessary bees are to the food production of the world...I hope we become respectful of the turtles before it is too late.
One of these days we will realize that turtles and their nests are essential to the ecology of the planet, much the same way we are realizing now how necessary bees are to the food production of the world...I hope we become respectful of the turtles before it is too late.
Beach Comber
There a a few thing in life I am very adamant about. One of those things is the sea turtles. We need to do all we can to help them!!!!!!!!!
Beach Fanatic
I hope I'm not naive in thinking that most people feel the same way and would not intentionally disrupt sea turtles' nesting patterns. The majority probably fail to realize the extent that holes, lights and debris factor into nesting patterns. Newspaper articles are fine for locals, but most vacationers probably pay little attention. And I don't mean to imply that tourists are the sole problem, but during the season they probably do outnumber locals on the beach.
There are several free movie nights throughout the area, and we are blessed with an enormous amount of local talent. Might it be possible to video a clever short film about the effect of all this on our beautiful beaches, featuring children doing the speaking, and showing this short prior to the feature film on movie nights? We could probably reach many more people, and by targeting children could have them "teach the parents" so to speak. I can hear kids on the beach telling their parents "wait, I've got to fill in this hole before we leave" or "we need to pick up all our stuff so the turtles know where to go."
Just a thought.
There are several free movie nights throughout the area, and we are blessed with an enormous amount of local talent. Might it be possible to video a clever short film about the effect of all this on our beautiful beaches, featuring children doing the speaking, and showing this short prior to the feature film on movie nights? We could probably reach many more people, and by targeting children could have them "teach the parents" so to speak. I can hear kids on the beach telling their parents "wait, I've got to fill in this hole before we leave" or "we need to pick up all our stuff so the turtles know where to go."
Just a thought.
SoWal Expert
Grayton looked fairly clear of crap at the end of the day, but some major holes and trenches remained. Glad to see people making the effort to remove their beach crap, daily. Now about those people leaving craters on the beach...
Meow
Grayton looked fairly clear of crap at the end of the day, but some major holes and trenches remained. Glad to see people making the effort to remove their beach crap, daily. Now about those people leaving craters on the beach...
That's good to hear. I imagine there are some tents and cr*p blown to smithereens on BMB. I wish there was a way to get word to the turtles to stay clear of that beach.
SoWal Insider
I know there's plenty of signage circulating, but, I thought I would introduce this because it is informative and fun to read. They don't look particularly expensive, and it also could be made into a family outing. At each beach access perhaps post information about different sea turtles, life span, endangered, habitats- then add - learn more about XYZ sea turtle at the next beach access.......
Another idea I had was perhaps the Turtle watch could also have turtle stuffed animals, and different items that could be perhaps purchased at a local storefront or at the TDC office with the profits being used for turtle protection and other awareness programs, like the movie Miss Critter suggested. Excellent idea BTW. On the poster, in that area, maybe tell people to go to a particular shoppe/ restaurant to pick up more info and or stuff animals, T-shirts etc. If I owned a store on 30A, I would be more than happy to have my name promoted in this manner.
Here's an example of one at Long Beach Island New Jersey.
Another idea I had was perhaps the Turtle watch could also have turtle stuffed animals, and different items that could be perhaps purchased at a local storefront or at the TDC office with the profits being used for turtle protection and other awareness programs, like the movie Miss Critter suggested. Excellent idea BTW. On the poster, in that area, maybe tell people to go to a particular shoppe/ restaurant to pick up more info and or stuff animals, T-shirts etc. If I owned a store on 30A, I would be more than happy to have my name promoted in this manner.
Here's an example of one at Long Beach Island New Jersey.
percy
Grayton looked fairly clear of crap at the end of the day, but some major holes and trenches remained. Glad to see people making the effort to remove their beach crap, daily. Now about those people leaving craters on the beach...Eastern Lake area was jam packed with stuff left on the beach in every manner of abandonment--stray items here and there, an entire tent structure left up complete with piles of stuff "in" it, as well as a grouping of umbrellas and beach gear actually secured together. The latter is the one that really gets me--random items strewn around and left indicate careless, ignorant beachgoers, but people who will leave behind mounds of junk and make an effort to secure it there for the next day are ridiculous.
SoWal Expert
...especially with the summer storms which blow up quickly out of nowhere, sometimes blowing chairs, toys, umbrellas, and tents far from their abandoned spots, submerging them in the Lakes, or tossing them into the dunes or bird nesting areas.
Beach Comber
Seriously I would also love some ideas. I survey Okaloosa Island and Destin Beach for nests and Destin is the worst. Trash and huge holes. We have two nests and today I had three false crawls. I am seriously getting worried about the turtles.
Beach Fanatic
Has Turtle Watch ever looked at flying one of those advertising banners behind the planes? A couple during these next peak weeks would definitely be seen especially since we don't have as many as Destin or PCB.
Lettering on those banners is limited I know, so a curt message would be needed.
"Help the Turtles! Fill in holes and remove beach items. 850-xxx-xxx"
Lettering on those banners is limited I know, so a curt message would be needed.
"Help the Turtles! Fill in holes and remove beach items. 850-xxx-xxx"
SoWal Expert
I like it TNJed. Here's another one: turtle watcher walkers could take a walking stick with a light-weight aluminum seal of a turtle watch logo, with similar text. As they walk their stretch of beach, the seal would hit the sand as they walk with their walking stick, leaving small reminders which will wash or blow away after being seen by some people.
It may be too awkward and hitting the ankles of the walker, and it may be considered as "soliciting" on the beach without permit, but I've always thought that would be a good way to help with the awareness of the urgency.
It may be too awkward and hitting the ankles of the walker, and it may be considered as "soliciting" on the beach without permit, but I've always thought that would be a good way to help with the awareness of the urgency.
Beach Lover
I think this idea was mentioned in some other thread, but I thought it was worth repeating--what about approaching all the rental management agencies w/fliers/pamphlets whatever, w/info on how to help the sea turtles, and put these things in guest welcome packets, or put them in the rooms after cleaning...At the very least, maybe the parents of the kids will read it and care enough to be active in cleaning up/filling in holes each day before leaving the beaches.
SoWal Expert
I vote for a turtle "infomercial" preceding every free movie and a magnet on every rental unit fridge - preferably at eye level.
There are so many signs at the accesses already that I think a turtle specific sign will just get lost and add to the clutter and pamphlets get lost or stuck in a drawer.
There are so many signs at the accesses already that I think a turtle specific sign will just get lost and add to the clutter and pamphlets get lost or stuck in a drawer.
Beach Fanatic
I'll throw $100 into a kitty to start some sort of flyer or magnet type of idea for the rental units. Where do we send it? Who else is with me?
Perhaps it could be included in rental contracts as a item that must be read and sign that you have read before being allowed to rent.
Perhaps it could be included in rental contracts as a item that must be read and sign that you have read before being allowed to rent.
Beach Lover
The magnets are a great idea! And good question ASH, where would we contribute to this becoming a reality?
What about some sort of sticker too? The SoWal stickers are SO popular and easy to notice. What about some sort of sticker w/a sea turtle figure on it that says:
"Holes kill", "If you Dig it - Fill it!", "Beach Holes, night lights, +Trash = Death", "Help Us Help Them" ...or something like that.
Kind of cheesy maybe, but I remember the first time I came to Seagrove and saw all these blue 'SoWal' stickers everywhere...it made me want to know what it was and where I could get one. It could sort of become another 'local icon' to raise awareness.
What about some sort of sticker too? The SoWal stickers are SO popular and easy to notice. What about some sort of sticker w/a sea turtle figure on it that says:
"Holes kill", "If you Dig it - Fill it!", "Beach Holes, night lights, +Trash = Death", "Help Us Help Them" ...or something like that.
Kind of cheesy maybe, but I remember the first time I came to Seagrove and saw all these blue 'SoWal' stickers everywhere...it made me want to know what it was and where I could get one. It could sort of become another 'local icon' to raise awareness.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Many thanks to everyone who has read the thread and posted suggestions. There are some good ones here!
Just a reminder to anyone who wants to work on this to contact the Turtle Watch directly with your suggestions, I am just the messenger.
Thanks again.
Contact info is swturtlewh@cox.net
Just a reminder to anyone who wants to work on this to contact the Turtle Watch directly with your suggestions, I am just the messenger.
Thanks again.
Contact info is swturtlewh@cox.net
SoWal Insider
Fun in the sand could mean trouble for turtles
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/turtles_8960___article.html/south_watch.html
.
Beach Fanatic
Here is the master link for the turle info. http://www.cccturtle.org/ Enjoy!!
Beach Lover
Measures
"Foolish is the man
who sows the air and
tills the sand."
As we watch the endless progression of visitors, not all of them children, avidly break out the shovels and start digging as if their very lives depend on reaching some mystic depth, we are reminded of the above, attributed to a 16th century poet. We usually ask those around us to fill in their holes and take in their stuff, but we are often rudely reminded that it is none of our business. Several times I have been told that that portion of the beach is "owned" by someone who said it was Ok to dig and leave. Fools! No one can own sand; it is as ephemeral as air. When the big winds and waves come and pound the coastline, their "sand" is often taken far away and deposited on someone's else's piece of temporary land. I don't see them trying to find their sand afterwards. I don't hear from them when the dump trucks begin bringing dredged sand back to their dwelling space and that sand came from somewhere in the Gulf that didn't belong to the homeowner getting it either. Better to understand what this piece of paradise needs and must have to survive the onslaught of man; turtle habitat, and unlike bird nesting sites, or marine aquaculture sites, turtle nesting areas can't be easily defined or charted, graphed, plotted until after the turtle has laid eggs. What is really needed are laws that protect and are enforced, that protect wildlife including turtles and that have high dollar fines for individuals or owners whose beach "property" has holes left by renters or visitors, and for our flotsam and jetsam, the toys left afterwards. Get some balls, boys. Put some teeth into the laws and enforce'em! The developers and the irriational beachfront home owners who insist that they "own" the land to waters edge must be brought into the process, and taught what is required to get along with the rest of life.
Catch'em while they're digging and give'em a courtesy notice requesting holes be filled and detritus removed nightly. Take names and addresses, then check back. Give'em a ticket much as tickets are given for bringing glassware to the beach. The days of "all about ME" are over. Responsibility starts now. Might take some more deputies or night patrol lifeguards, or civilian deputized assistants. But that is what will ultimately end the problems. Make it cost'em.
The rest of those ideas - education, magnets for units, airplane banners, signs, more signs ad nauseum, are for the kids who can still learn without rancor and infantile behavior. That's what I think anyway.
"Foolish is the man
who sows the air and
tills the sand."
As we watch the endless progression of visitors, not all of them children, avidly break out the shovels and start digging as if their very lives depend on reaching some mystic depth, we are reminded of the above, attributed to a 16th century poet. We usually ask those around us to fill in their holes and take in their stuff, but we are often rudely reminded that it is none of our business. Several times I have been told that that portion of the beach is "owned" by someone who said it was Ok to dig and leave. Fools! No one can own sand; it is as ephemeral as air. When the big winds and waves come and pound the coastline, their "sand" is often taken far away and deposited on someone's else's piece of temporary land. I don't see them trying to find their sand afterwards. I don't hear from them when the dump trucks begin bringing dredged sand back to their dwelling space and that sand came from somewhere in the Gulf that didn't belong to the homeowner getting it either. Better to understand what this piece of paradise needs and must have to survive the onslaught of man; turtle habitat, and unlike bird nesting sites, or marine aquaculture sites, turtle nesting areas can't be easily defined or charted, graphed, plotted until after the turtle has laid eggs. What is really needed are laws that protect and are enforced, that protect wildlife including turtles and that have high dollar fines for individuals or owners whose beach "property" has holes left by renters or visitors, and for our flotsam and jetsam, the toys left afterwards. Get some balls, boys. Put some teeth into the laws and enforce'em! The developers and the irriational beachfront home owners who insist that they "own" the land to waters edge must be brought into the process, and taught what is required to get along with the rest of life.
Catch'em while they're digging and give'em a courtesy notice requesting holes be filled and detritus removed nightly. Take names and addresses, then check back. Give'em a ticket much as tickets are given for bringing glassware to the beach. The days of "all about ME" are over. Responsibility starts now. Might take some more deputies or night patrol lifeguards, or civilian deputized assistants. But that is what will ultimately end the problems. Make it cost'em.
The rest of those ideas - education, magnets for units, airplane banners, signs, more signs ad nauseum, are for the kids who can still learn without rancor and infantile behavior. That's what I think anyway.
SoWal Expert
IBD - much more eloquent and effective than my suggestion of beating them w/ their own tent!
Beach Fanatic
A couple of haikus for the mother turtles
Moonbeams as my guide
My life coming full circle
Good luck my children
or
Weary, tired but home
Soft sand my destination
What is all this s##t
Two more for the book
Moonbeams as my guide
My life coming full circle
Good luck my children
or
Weary, tired but home
Soft sand my destination
What is all this s##t
Two more for the book
SoWal Insider
A couple of haikus for the mother turtles
Weary, tired but home
Soft sand my destination
What is all this s##t
Take a bow!
Meow
A couple of haikus for the mother turtles
Moonbeams as my guide
My life coming full circle
Good luck my children
or
Weary, tired but home
Soft sand my destination
What is all this s##t
Two more for the book
;-)...my table awaits this book.
Thank you for the eloquent speech, IBO! I agree about the magnets...nice, cute idea, but this is WAR! The pic that SHELLY posted is absurd...they have a dug an entire living room on the beach! I can maybe see them doing it for fun and using it for the day...but instead of filling it in, they put a freakin' tent over it!
I was pleased to receive this from WC...hopefully they are walking the walk.
The Beaches of South Walton is not only home to many residents and guests, it is also the summer home to two species of Sea Turtles. The female Green Sea Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle return to our beaches every two years from May to October to lay their eggs. Surprisingly, nesting season started early this year, with two turtle nests already located at WaterSound Beach and Deer Lake State Park!
As a reminder, baby sea turtles are very vulnerable to the elements. Of 125 eggs the mothers deposit in the sand, barely one or two will survive to reach 1 year old.
Here is how you can help ensure these turtles continue to thrive and play in our area:
1. Remove all items from the beach including chairs, umbrellas, and toys so that it will not disturb either the mother coming on shore to lay the eggs, nor the babies when they are hatched.
2. Fill in any holes you dig and smooth out any sand castles you make on the beach.
3. Baby sea turtles are sensitive to light. Try to turn off all light that can be seen at the beach. If the turtle sees light they will wander farther up into the dune and not head back to the sea where they find safety.
4. Sea turtles can mistake plastic for jellyfish, a main staple in their diet. Please do not leave any plastic on the beach.
For more information on South Walton Sea Turtles go to www.seaturtlewatch.com.
Beach Fanatic
;-)...my table awaits this book.
Thank you for the eloquent speech, IBO! I agree about the magnets...nice, cute idea, but this is WAR! The pic that SHELLY posted is absurd...they have a dug an entire living room on the beach! I can maybe see them doing it for fun and using it for the day...but instead of filling it in, they put a freakin' tent over it!
I was pleased to receive this from WC...hopefully they are walking the walk.
The female Green Sea Turtle and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle return to our beaches every two years from May to October to lay their eggs. Surprisingly, nesting season started early this year, with two turtle nests already located at WaterSound Beach and Deer Lake State Park!
As a reminder, baby sea turtles are very vulnerable to the elements. Of 125 eggs the mothers deposit in the sand, barely one or two will survive to reach 1 year old.
Here is how you can help ensure these turtles continue to thrive and play in our area:
1. Remove all items from the beach including chairs, umbrellas, and toys so that it will not disturb either the mother coming on shore to lay the eggs, nor the babies when they are hatched.
2. Fill in any holes you dig and smooth out any sand castles you make on the beach.
3. Baby sea turtles are sensitive to light. Try to turn off all light that can be seen at the beach. If the turtle sees light they will wander farther up into the dune and not head back to the sea where they find safety.
4. Sea turtles can mistake plastic for jellyfish, a main staple in their diet. Please do not leave any plastic on the beach.
For more information on South Walton Sea Turtles go to www.seaturtlewatch.com.
I'm adding this to our rental agreement right now. Is there something someone has made that might be printed and framed for placement in our rental...something that's cute and would attract the renter's attention?
PS: Isn't there a special flashlight that can be used on the beach that is safe for the turtles? We could also supply these in our rentals for use by the guests.
PSS: I just looked at the BMB webcam, there's crap everywhere!
Edited
Meow
I'm adding this to our rental agreement right now. Is there something someone has made that might be printed and framed for placement in our rental...something that's cute and would attract the renter's attention?
PS: Isn't there a special flashlight that can be used on the beach that is safe for the turtles? We could also supply these in our rentals for use by the guests.
PSS: I just looked at the BMB webcam, there's crap everywhere!
Oh, pgurney...welcome to my sad little world. As much as I love looking at the BMB webcam, right now it has my blood boiling hotter than this Texas heat. That cr*p will be there tonight and then again when I look in the early am.
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