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Think you've spotted one of these rare turtles in Florida?​
We'd LOVE to hear about it!
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We are looking for citizen scientists to help us monitor endangered Kemp’s ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles along the east coast of Florida. If you’ve been lucky enough to see one of these sea turtles during your recent adventures on or under the water, please let us know! By filling out this short form and providing a photo for identification, you are providing valuable data for sea turtle conservation.
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Friendly reminder: Please remember sea turtles are endangered species and protected under state and federal laws. Always be respectful of our incredible flippered friends! Happy diving!
KEMP'S RIDLEY
Lepidochelys kempii
​Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest and rarest sea turtle of all! Listed as Critically Endangered, Kemp's ridley turtles are found primarily in the Gulf and along the East Coast of the US.
Usually found in sandy, muddy bottom and seagrass habitats, they love a good blue crab along with other mollusks and crustaceans as part of their diet. Recently, their numbers have been decreasing in the Gulf and little is known about those on the Atlantic east coast. Which is where you can help by submitting a sighting!
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pOINTED (HOOKED) BEAK
Circular carapace from above
gREY & wHITE
IN COLOR
HAWKSBILL
Eretmochelys imbricata
Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered and a special sight in Florida. Known for their love of sponges and coral reefs, these turtles have faced a number of challenges. Historically, they were hunted for their stunning "tortoiseshell" to create jewelry and trinkets, which led to a massive decline in their population. While this remains a threat in some parts of the world, hawksbills also face threats such as fishing line entanglements and habitat loss.
In Florida, these turtles are often sighted in waters from West Palm Beach to the Florida Keys. We often assist our friends at the Florida Hawksbill Project with their long-term hawksbill research efforts. Be sure to check them out and their amazing research!
