We often get asked questions about what we do, the sea turtles we work with, and general questions about marine biology.  Here are our most often-asked questions.  Don’t see yours here?  Feel free to email us at info@inwater.org.

What types of sea turtles do we see around Florida?
There are 5 species of sea turtles that we see in Florida’s waters.  These are the loggerhead, green, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, and hawksbill.  For more information on these species, click here.

I see a lot of nests and crawls on our beaches.  Which sea turtle made them?
Those are from either the loggerhead, green, or leatherback sea turtle.  To learn more about sea turtle nesting in Florida, click here.

Am I allowed to go out and look for nesting sea turtles at night on my own?
Going on your own at night to look for nesting turtles can pose a lot of problems for nesting mothers and hatchlings, as well as safety concerns for you.  We recommend attending a Turtle Walk Program where you can learn more about sea turtles and hopefully watch the nesting process.  For more information on organizations that offer them across the state of FL, click here.

What should I do if I see a nesting sea turtle or hatchling on the beach?
If you encounter a nesting mother or hatchling on the beach, respect their distance and avoid getting close.  If the turtle looks as though it is in distress please call FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

Please be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What is the exact location of the animal?
  • Is the turtle alive or dead?
  • What is the approximate size of the turtle?
  • Is the turtle marked with spray paint? (This may indicate that the turtle has been previously documented.)
  • What is the location of the closest access point to the turtle?

If the turtle is alive, please be prepared to stay with it until help arrives.

How can I get involved?
The best way to get involved is to try one of the following:

  • Practice good stewardship at home by recycling and utilizing turtle-friendly lights.
  • Find a conservation organization to support through donations, social media support, etc.
  • Participate in a beach clean-up in your area.
  • Volunteer at a local conservation organization.
  • Buy a sea turtle license plate.

Do you accept volunteers or are you hiring?
While we are unable to accept volunteers at this time, please feel free to check out other organizations that are in the state of Florida. For information on job opportunities, click here.