NewsWFLA (NBC 8) — Local NewsNovember 2, 2026Hillsborough County
Mote Marine Laboratory concludes 45th year of sea turtle nesting season monitoring in Sarasota County
Photo: WFLA (NBC 8) — Local News
Mote Marine Laboratory concluded its 45th year of sea turtle nesting season monitoring in Sarasota County, documenting nearly 5,000 nests and a decline in artificial lighting disorientations. Researchers recorded 4,732 loggerhead nests and 196 green sea turtle nests along 35 miles of coastline. A team of over 300 volunteers monitored the nests throughout the season.
Read the full story at WFLA (NBC 8) — Local NewsWhy It Matters
Data collected by more than 300 volunteers across 35 miles of Sarasota County coastline shapes long-term conservation strategies for local sea turtle populations and tracks the impact of artificial shoreline lighting.
Key Facts
- Nearly 5,000 total sea turtle nests were documented along 35 miles of Sarasota County coastline during the 2026 season.
- Loggerhead turtles accounted for 4,732 of the documented nests.
- Green sea turtles accounted for 196 of the documented nests.
- Mote Marine Laboratory completed its 45th year of monitoring sea turtle nesting seasons.
- A team of more than 300 volunteers participated in monitoring nests and protecting hatchlings this season.
- Researchers recorded 253 sea turtle disorientation events caused by artificial shoreline lighting.
- Disorientation events decreased by 463 compared to the previous year.
- Beach residents and vacationers are advised to turn off lights at night to prevent hatchling disorientations.
Who's Mentioned
PersonKathryn Gentile“Public Relations Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory”locationVenice“Southern boundary of the monitored sea turtle nesting range”locationSarasota County“Coastline where the nesting monitoring took place”OrganizationMote Marine Laboratory“Conducts sea turtle monitoring and research in Sarasota County”locationLongboat Key“Northern boundary of the monitored sea turtle nesting range”