Serving South Florida's Coastal Neighborhoods
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JENNIFER HEIT Waterfront Times
There's one sure sign of spring in South Florida that has nothing to do with budding flowers. From now through Oct. 31, thousands of sea tur- tles, shorebirds and seabirds nest on Florida's southeast and Gulf coast beaches where they frequently encoun- ter people, too often to their detriment. In Broward three female turtle species - leather- back, green and loggerhead - journey hundreds, or even thousands of miles, back to the beaches where they were hatched decades earlier to mate and make their own nests. All sea turtle species are either threat- ened or endangered. In 2021, a total of 3,099 nests were documented in Broward: 2,548 loggerhead, 463 green and 86 leath- erback, according to Nova Southeastern University [NSU] which oversees the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, to help the reptiles survive a vex- ing urban landscape with its light pollution and traffic. Beachside residents and visitors can help by adopt- ing "turtle-friendly" behavior, scientists say.
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It's nesting season for sea turtles, waterbirds
Examples include installing shielded, amber exte- rior lighting on beachfront properties; closing curtains or turning off interior lights after sunset; refraining from using cell phones and flashlights on the beach, and not disturbing nests or nesting female turtles," said Stephanie Kedzuf, an environmental project coordina- tor with Broward County's Natural Resources Division, in a prepared statement. "Every little bit helps, and we want to ensure we do whatever we can to help the turtles now and in the future," she said. Over the next months, NSU researchers and vol- unteers will canvas Broward's 24 miles of beachfront looking for nests, which they section off with tape and signage so the eggs can mature and safely hatch. Come July, nighttime sea turtle hatchling and re- lease programs allow people to observe the turtles with- out disturbing them. Spots fill up quickly. Biologists say that some of the most important things people can do to help nesting sea turtles and
Photos courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Biologists say that some of the most important things people can do to help nesting sea turtles and waterbirds is to give them space, minimize disturbances and keep beaches clean and dark.
Using only basic supplies including plywood, cure chalk and zip ties, local students from middle, high and marine technical schools will attempt to build sea-worthy craft in the upcoming Plywood Regatta, sponsored by the Marine Industries
Building boats
Association of South Florida, on Saturday April 30 and Sunday, May 1. The first day students will build their boats before sailing them off Dania Beach the next. For more information go to www.plywoodregatta.com.
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Come July, sea turtle hatchling and release programs allow people to observe the turtles without disturbing them.
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