“Juno Beach is one of the most densely populated sea turtle nesting areas in the world.  We’re in the turtle’s territory.” – Melissa Ranly, Loggerhead Marinelife Center Hospital Coordinator

This is the second part of a two-part interview.  In Part 1 Melissa told us about the Center, her work with sea turtles, and the challenges met during record cold in Florida this January.  In Part 2 Melissa talks  about the Center’s educational programs and what we can do to help protect sea turtles during nesting season and year round.  Enjoy!

Education has always been central to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.  “The Center began with the work of one woman, Eleanor Fletcher, more than 25 years ago,” Melissa says.  “Out of her love and passion for sea turtles she helped protect the nests, helped the hatchlings, and wanted to share her love and passion with children and future generations.”   There are educational programs year round, but the Center offers guided Turtle Walks during June and July to learn about the local nesting areas.  “We want to make sure everyone is getting a good education, and doing things the right way for the animals.  Juno Beach is one of the most densely populated sea turtle nesting areas in the world.  We’re in the turtle’s territory,” explains Melissa.

Melissa  is amazed by the strength and resilience of sea turtles.  “They heal from traumatic injuries surprisingly well, and 80 percent of what we treat them for are man-made injuries.  They’ve been around for millions of years.”  Take Morgan, who came to the Center with traumatic injuries, but is now recovering well.  “He’s one of those turtles that didn’t seem to know how sick he was, and he’s one of the strongest turtles I’ve treated,” says Melissa.  Despite their strength, sea turtles need protection.  Marine and beach enthusiasts can put sea turtles in danger.  “Fishing line is a huge problem.  If a fisherman gets stuck on a reef they cut their line.  The reef is where turtles and other species are feeding and they become entangled.  Plastic bags look a lot like jellyfish, and some sea turtles eat jellyfish.  So plastic bags can be a problem too.”

Nesting season for sea turtles is from March 1 through October 31 in the Southeast United States, and people around nesting areas at the beach should be careful during this time.  Melissa advises, “Don’t leave an imprint on the beach.  Leave everything the way you came.  Take your trash, fill in any holes you dig – sea turtles or the hatchlings can fall in and be vulnerable to prey.  If you see a female sea turtle, give her space and let her find a place to lay her eggs.  Watch from a distance.  They can get spooked easily, and they’ll leave if they feel uneasy.”  Night time during nesting season is lights out  – including flashlights.  “If you’re at the beach at night, or in a condo or house on the beach, no lights.  When the hatchlings emerge they can become disoriented and they’ll head toward the lights – looking for the moon’s reflection on the water,” warns Melissa.

Not at the beach but still want to help?  Anyone can aid sea turtles and other marine life simply by using less water, according to Melissa.  “Water conservation is a huge help to the entire aquatic eco system.  Minimize the water you use – washing dishes, brushing your teeth.  That helps all of us.”

Melissa, thank you for sharing so much about sea turtles and your work at the Center – and for teaching us how to protect this ancient species.  We wish you the best during sea turtle nesting season, and we’ll keep in touch to see how things are going!

The Loggerhead Marine Life Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization relying on donations for support.  Admission is free and visitors can view recovering sea turtles in an open courtyard.  There are many programs for children, exhibits, and a gift shop. Visit the Center’s web site for upcoming events, information, and volunteering opportunities.  The web site’s turtle cam shows the daily progress of recovering sea turtles.