It's sea turtle nesting season and we're in the thick of it here on our vacation at Sanibel Island. Sanibel's beaches are a nesting area for five species of sea turtles: Green turtle, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill.
Each of these species is endangered and protected by both federal and state laws and agencies.
Sea turtles come ashore to build their nests between May and October. Beginning at dawn each day during this period, Sanibel’s 18 miles of beaches are swept for new turtle activity from the previous night. If a new nest is found, it is marked for monitoring and protection until the eggs hatch.
Each nest may contain as many as 200 eggs but with the large number of predators awaiting them between the nest and adulthood means that very few turtles from each brood reach maturity.
For those that do make it through their vulnerable years, sea turtles can live 50 years or more.
Around the world, sea turtles face poachers, lack of suitable nesting sites and pollution.
Info from: https://www.islandinnsanibel.com/witness-the-fascinating-journey-of-the-sea-turtle/
I created a small collection of ocean inspired art while on vacation. Much of my work is of the water because it’s where I feel most at home.
