The Meaning of World Sea Turtle Day

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Sea Turtle Activity Update June 4.docx.pdf

World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated on June 16th which is the same day as Dr. Archie Carr’s birthday. He is considered the “father of sea turtle biology,” and the founder of the Sea Turtle Conservancy. He left a legacy of sea turtle conservation worldwide that helped create a community that advocates for the protection and conservation of sea turtles worldwide.

For the months of May 1st to October 31st, Marco Island is a nesting habitat for the loggerhead sea turtles and residents keep a protective eye over these ancient species. It is such a privilege to be able to host a species that has changed so little since about 110 million years ago. They co-existed with the dinosaurs for around 45 million years and outlived them. Just to think that modern humans only evolved about 200,000 years ago.

Quick Facts About the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

• Loggerheads are called ‘loggerheads’ because heads are large and necessary - they need to have the jaw force to crunch down on crustaceans and mollusks.

• Florida female loggerheads will lay approximately four nests per nesting season.

• It will take a mother loggerhead about one hour and 35 minutes to lay her eggs.

• Each loggerhead turtle nest has an average of 116 eggs per nest. 

• Baby turtles hatch and emerge from the nest 49–58 days after the nest is laid.