Sea Turtles Have Record Year at Archie Carr Refuge in Florida

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, the most important sea turtle nesting beach in North America, had a record year for green and leatherback sea turtle nests in 2005. The green sea turtle is listed as endangered or threatened throughout its range, while the leatherback is an endangered species.

The number of green sea turtle nests more than tripled, reaching a record high of 3,638 in 2005 as compared to 982 in 2004. Leatherback turtle nests also numbered a record high of 68, compared to 19 in 2004. Loggerhead turtle nests numbered 11,085 in 2005, compared to 9,138 in 2004, but that increase does not represent the species’ highest number. The loggerhead turtle is considered threatened with extinction throughout its range.

Why the “banner year” for green and leatherback sea turtles? The reasons could include food availability and population of females, according to Refuge Ranger Joanna Taylor.

Within the Archie Carr Refuge, the 20-mile stretch of coastline from Melbourne Beach to Wabasso Beach is the most important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the Western Hemisphere, and the second most important loggerhead nesting beach in the world. This area is home to 25 percent of all loggerhead sea turtle and 35 percent of all green sea turtle nests in the United States.

For more information, contact Joanna Taylor, refuge ranger, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, archiecarr@fws.gov; (772) 562-3909.