Biologists estimate that one out of every 2,500 hatchlings survives to the age of sexual maturity. Violations defined by ESA include harassing a nesting female, disturbing nests, non-permitted possession of any live or dead turtle parts and unauthorized research. The Roy and Susan Palmer Sea Turtle Center The Roy and Susan Palmer Sea Turtle Center opened in September of 1996. Its main purpose is to educate the public about sea turtles and the importance of conservation, as well as to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles. The exhibit is home to non-releasable turtles and also serves as a temporary home for turtles undergoing rehabilitation.
Emphasis is on preserving, conserving and enhancing our natural resources.
In 1982 MML initiated a sea turtle conservation program with the primary objective of providing information on the population of Loggerhead turtles along the six barrier islands in Sarasota County. The islands are Longboat, Lido, Siesta, Casey, and Manasota Keys, as well as Venice Beach. Due to funding constraints, the extent of research has been limited. Mote has a resident green sea turtle. Due to blindness, he can never be released to the wild.