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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Turtle Programs

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is listed as the lead agency or a cooperating agency in the implementation of 91 of 255 recovery plan tasks identified as necessary to promote recovery of all species of sea turtles. FWC has established a marine turtle program to monitor nesting activity, document mortalities statewide, conduct research on the biology of the various species, and provide data for managing and evaluating coastal development effects. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) staff members are involved in numerous efforts to promote sea turtle recovery.

Threats to Sea Turtles
Illegal harvesting, habitat encroachment, and pollution are only some of the things sea turtles must face as each species struggles to stay alive. Researchers at FWRI are studying these threats and finding ways to help the population survive.
Learn More About Threats to Sea Turtles

Research Projects
FWRI marine turtle program staff members conduct research on the distribution, abundance, life histories, ecology, migrations, and threats to marine turtles in Florida and contiguous western Atlantic and Caribbean waters.
View More Research Project Information

Sea Turtle Mortality
FWRI researchers are responsible for gathering standardized data about stranded marine turtles throughout the state. Data are collected on each carcass retrieved. Live, stranded turtles are rescued and transported to properly permitted rehabilitation facilities.
View More Sea Turtle Mortality Information and Data

Sea Turtle Nesting
The state of Florida, through FWC’s FWRI, coordinates two sea turtle monitoring programs: the Statewide Nesting Beach Survey and the Index Nesting Beach Survey.
Learn More About Sea Turtle Nesting in Florida

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Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are credited to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Sea Turtle Salvage and Stranding Network (FLSTSSN).