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Go Slow For Those Below
Every year, from March to October, tens of thousands of sea turtles travel to Palm Beach County to lay their eggs on our beaches. During this time, sea turtles spend greater amounts of time at the surface in the waters close to shore, where they are at an increased risk of being accidentally hit by boats.
To decrease unintended harmful interactions between boaters and threatened and endangered sea turtles during sea turtle nesting season in Florida, a voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone (STPZ) will be established from March 1 – October 31, encompassing all 45 miles of Palm Beach County extending from shore to one mile offshore.
To help protect sea turtles and other marine life, boaters are asked to reduce travel time within one mile offshore and travel at minimum speed for safe navigation when in the STPZ.
Sea turtle unintended boat strikes have tripled in Florida since 1980, and nearly 50% of interactions occur in south Florida, from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties. The greatest number of unintentional boat strikes for leatherback, loggerhead, and green turtles occurred during nesting season.
Follow These Steps While in the Sea Turtle Protection Zone
Protection zone is one mile offshore from Jupiter Inlet to Boca Raton Inlet, Palm Beach County from March 1 - October 31.
Limit travel time within the Sea Turtle Protection Zone to prevent unintended boat strikes from harming sea turtles.
Travel at a minimum safe speed when in waters within one mile of shore.
Wear polarized sunglasses and designate a spotter to watch out for wildlife at the ocean's surface.
Help Protect Sea Turtles
If you spot an injured sea turtle, call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.
This project was funded in part by a grant awarded from the Sea Turtle Grants Program. The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded by proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Learn more at www.helpingseaturtles.org.
Help Protect Sea Turtles
If you spot an injured sea turtle, call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.