Turtle Nesting Numbers are Down in Daytona Beach

Turtle nesting season runs through October in Volusia County, but experts say the count of nests is way down this year. There are fewer than 350 nests, when normally there would be more than 450 by the end of August. It may be both a below-average year, and in Volusia County, one of the five lowest nesting seasons on record.

"Habitat loss is a big thing. A lot of beaches around Florida are becoming critically eroded, so there's less places for them to lay their eggs in the sand," Jennifer Winters of the Volusia County Turtle Nesting Program said.

Experts said sea turtle numbers are also influenced by factors such as water pollution and fishing. Sea turtle advocates feel one of the reasons nest numbers may be down is that the ocean temperature is lower than normal. Upwellings cause cold water from the ocean floor to rise to the surface. The average temperature has been below 80 degrees and sea turtles and reptiles may be looking for warmer water.

The turtles are part of our heritage and wildlife resources which should be protected and enjoyed by all. Do your part to give the nesting turtles room and not endanger them or their habitat further. They help make our lifestyle one of the best in the country. Contact me for details on living in Daytona Beach.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
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www.sherryarmstrong.com
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