Sea Turtle Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Brevard County's Coastal Challenges

Brevard County's coastline is currently facing significant challenges due to strong, persistent winds leading to severe beach erosion and substantial sargassum seaweed accumulation. These conditions have created perilous obstacles for sea turtle hatchlings attempting to reach the ocean.

The Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS), a dedicated local organization, has mobilized volunteers to rescue these vulnerable hatchlings. Volunteers like Amanda Burnand and Roxy Frum are meticulously sifting through the dense seaweed to locate and save the stranded turtles. Their efforts have already resulted in the rescue of approximately 30 hatchlings, which have been transported to the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation.

The Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center, established in 2014, plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and release of injured and stranded sea turtles. The center has treated hundreds of sea turtles, addressing issues ranging from boat strikes to illnesses like fibropapillomatosis. Recently, a juvenile green sea turtle named Bugs was released back into the ocean after a five-month rehabilitation period. Bugs was found emaciated and covered in barnacles in April and underwent intensive care, including innovative treatments like negative-pressure wound therapy and the application of raw honey to promote healing.

In addition to individual rescues, the STPS organizes events like the annual Turtle Krawl 5K to raise funds for their conservation programs. The 2025 Turtle Krawl is scheduled for September 13 in Indialantic, FL, with proceeds supporting various initiatives, including the Brevard Zoo's Sea Turtle Healing Center.

Residents and beachgoers are urged to assist in these conservation efforts by reporting stranded or distressed sea turtles to the STPS hotline at 321-206-0646. It's important to note that only trained volunteers are authorized to handle these animals, and the public is advised not to return them to the water, as they may not be strong enough to survive.

The collaborative efforts of volunteers, conservationists, and the community are vital in ensuring the survival of sea turtles in Brevard County, especially during challenging environmental conditions.