Clearwater Marine Aquarium says number of sea turtle nests increased this year
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Sea turtle nesting season has ended in Pinellas County, and biologists from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium say they observe...
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Sea turtle nesting season has ended in Pinellas County, and biologists from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium say they observed 313 nests along the 21 miles patrolled by CMA in northern and mid-Pinellas. That number is up from 281 last year and 222 in 2020. In total, 487 hatchlings received treatment from CMA's vet team. 79 of those successfully rescued and rehabilitated were released offshore, while 324 were a beach release. Experts say loggerhead sea turtles make up a majority of the nests observed.