Turtles in Florida
According to National Geographic, Florida is home to about 90% of the United State’s sea turtle population. Female sea turtles annually lay their eggs along the coasts of beaches in hopes that their hatchling -baby turtles- can venture into the ocean and begin their life. Every year, the prime nesting season typically lasts from the month of March through the month of October. In between these months, people can observe beaches filled with tourists and beachgoers.
Human Impact
It has recently become a commonly known fact that plastic straws are detrimental to the livelihoods of sea turtles, but many individuals don’t understand the far-reaching impact that tourists have on their population as well. Often times, as a turtle is traveling from the water to a nesting site, the process becomes interrupted. This results from tourists roaming the beach and setting up camp. Activities as simple as throwing a football or making a sand castle can distract the turtles from their task. These turtles then return to the ocean and forget to lay their eggs.
The Light in a Sea of Darkness
Although the Corona virus has had a devastating impact on the world, it has helped benefit the turtle population and allow it to prosper. In light of recent events, many Florida beaches have temporarily closed and reopened in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In addition to stay at home orders, the ability to find parking at beaches has been significantly reduced, causing the amount of people at beaches to decline. National Geographic indicates, because of the decline of people at beaches and drastically less interference from the outside world, many turtles have been able to successfully hatch their eggs. The pandemic along with turtle conservation organizations have allowed the numbers of sea turtles to flourish. In order to maintain this growth, individuals must be mindful of the amount of plastic they are using, become aware of their impact on turtles while at a beach, research information about conservation efforts, and donate to trusted organizations.
Sources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/2020/10/florida-could-see-a-sea-turtle-baby-boom-thanks-to pandemic/#close
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