Every year between April and September, Florida welcomes thousands of turtles home to nest on our beaches (although five species of marine turtle live in Florida's waters, only three regularly nest here: loggerheads, greens, and leatherbacks). Based on FWC tracking of numbers of nests, both green and (to a lesser extent) leatherback turtles are beginning to show signs of population recovery in Florida, while loggerheads are lagging behind.

It seems clear that limiting development on and around important nesting beaches and providing strict legal protections for nests is beginning to show results in South Florida. We've also seen great efforts from communities to reduce light pollution near beaches at this time of year (which can confuse hatchlings and cause them to head away from the ocean).

If you'll be on Florida's beaches this summer, watch out for nests, and don't disturb or harass nesting turtles. You can also help by keeping beaches clear of small boats, lawn chairs, and other large objects (according to a recent study, large debris on the beach can reduce turtle nesting rates up to 200%).

Everyone can pitch in to help make Florida's beaches a welcoming place for all our summertime visitors--especially these amazing reptiles.