Ask IFAS: Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins

Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins

Publications

A Guide to Nesting Sea Turtles in Florida

FA235/FA235by Analisa Duran, Ruth Frances-Floyd, Maia Patterson Mcguire, and Iskande LarkinSeptember 23rd, 2021Florida’s coastline provides critical habitat for sea turtle nesting, as it has for millions of years. Throughout the state, three of the seven species of sea turtles in the world have significant nesting populations. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles use Florida’s beaches to lay nests each year. This publication provides information on the identification, nesting characteristics, and abundance of each of the common sea turtle species who nest in Florida.

Coastal Armoring Impacts on Beaches and Sea Turtles

FA255/FA255by Melissa Hill, Ray Carthy, and Martha MonroeMarch 16th, 2023Close to 19.6 million people live in Florida, and 76.5% of them, or approximately 15 million, live on the coast. Florida’s coasts are attractive despite the increasing risks from sea-level rise and more frequent climatic events such as hurricanes and coastal flooding. At particular risk from these erosive events are Florida’s 825 miles of sandy beaches. Coastal armoring is a physical barrier placed with the intent of protecting structures from storm, surf, and erosion damage. This publication explains how coastal armoring works and the impacts it has on nearby beaches and sea turtle habitat.