For 30+ years Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch has coordinated conservation efforts for 12 miles of Manatee County shoreline. In three decades, we monitored 7339 turtle activities, protected 4454 nests, 301, 694 turtle eggs, and watched 271,680 hatchlings depart to become a future generation of loggerheads that will return to the region as they reach maturity — in about 30 years.
The program includes staff and volunteers who have documented the status of shoreline habitat and trends in sea turtle nesting. These data show that nesting by loggerhead turtles has declined, then rebounded in recent years. Nest destruction by both natural and non-indigenous predators has also increased during the same time period.
AMITW & Shorebird Monitoring coordinates with county, state and federal efforts to conserve sea turtles — particularly loggerheads., Manatee and Sarasota County hosts the highest density of loggerhead nests in the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether humans respect other species enough to protect sea turtles and their essential habitats will depend on the understanding developed by marine conservation biologists.
Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest on AMI
Show your support for the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch by adopting a sea turtle nest on that has been laid on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. As a premium for your $125 tax-deductible donation a plaque of your choice will be placed in your nest.
We are now accepting adoptions for the 2020 season .
Thanks for the support of this program !!
Turtle Watch Website
The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch
