Charlotte County’s coastal team is celebrating the first-ever recorded Leatherback Sea Turtle nest on Manasota Key

Leatherbacks, the largest species of sea turtles, usually nest on Florida’s east coast, making this a rare and special event for our Gulf beaches. These incredible creatures are known for their unique “spacer eggs,” which help cushion their clutches.

Earlier this year, Coastal Wildlife Club volunteers discovered the nest, monitored it daily, and recently completed its inventory. The results? 12 healthy hatchlings, 67 unhatched eggs, 26 dead pipped eggs and 39 spacer eggs. Though storms made it challenging to pinpoint the nest’s location, the team’s dedication paid off!

Did you know that Leatherbacks are ocean giants, capable of diving up to 4,000 feet deep? That’s like 12 Statues of Liberty stacked up! They help keep our oceans balanced by feasting on jellyfish, which eat fish larvae. Protecting them means protecting our ocean ecosystems.

All sea turtle work is performed under the necessary federal and state permits: MTP-085, MTP-184. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!