Over the April 24 weekend, three adult leatherback sea turtles were fatally injured by boat strikes in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network.
Leatherback sea turtles are critically endangered and the Sea Turtle Protection Zone (STPZ) plays a vital role in the health and survival of their species. They return to our nearshore waters this time of year to reproduce. Their loss also means the loss of hundreds of potential young leatherbacks, making these casualties even more devastating.
One of the sea turtles was a documented nesting female well known to Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC). Deema was first tagged by LMC in 2010 and equipped with an acoustic tag. The force of the boat strike was so severe that it snapped her acoustic tag in half.
Deema during a nesting encounter with the LMC Research team on Juno Beach, Florida.
Given the heightened risk sea turtles face from vessel strikes, LMC is urging boaters to follow guidelines within the ICW and STPZ. The protection zone encompasses all 45 miles of Palm Beach County, extending from the shoreline to 1 mile offshore. Boaters are encouraged to minimize travel within the designated area, operate at the slowest safe speed, wear polarized sunglasses to improve visibility, and remain vigilant by keeping a constant lookout ahead to help spot and avoid sea turtles and other marine life.
The loss of one sea turtle is significant. Losing three in a single weekend is a devastating blow to an already vulnerable population. For more information on the STPZ, visit marinelife.org/conservation/sea-turtle-protection-zone/