Despite the fact that these ancient reptiles have successfully navigated the oceans virtually unharmed for millions of years, today they face a serious threat to their existence largely because of human activities. Information about these strandings is vital to understanding how to protect sea turtle poulations. Below are steps to take if you encounter a dead or live, but debilitated turtle on the beach. Date and location of stranding. If the turtle is dead, indicate whether or not the top shell has been spray-painted.
Many volunteers protect and monitor sea turtle nests along the northern coast.
Please be aware as you walk at night or early in the mornings for turtles crawls. These are marks made in the sand by turtles when they come to lay their eggs. Do not crowd or get in the way of a nesting female as she is emerging from or returning to the sea. Do not shine lights or flash photos in a nesting female's eyes and sit quietly away from her during the nesting process. Do not disturb nest markers, obey all signs, and stay out of marked areas.