In 2001, researchers from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Duke University began surveying a stretch of beach in northern Palm Beach County to identify the number of individual leatherback sea turtles utilizing this very important beach. This small section of beach routinely hosts more than 55% of all leatherback nests laid in Palm Beach County. The highest nesting density (8 - 13 nests/km) in the continental United States is found here.
Each year between March and June, we patrol a 12-mile stretch of each in search of nesting leatherbacks. Each individual that we encounter receives flipper tags and a microchip (PIT tag). These tags can be read if she is encountered when she returns to the beach to nest. In addition to tags, each turtle is measure and a small biopsy is taken for genetic analysis. We keep detailed records of every encounter to better understand the size and status of the leatherback population.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization specializing in the education, research, and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles. The leatherback research program is funded by private donors and grants. Please consider supporting this important research. About Us
In 2001, researchers from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Duke University began surveying a stretch of beach in northern Palm Beach County to identify the number of individual leatherback sea turtles utilizing this very important beach. This small section of beach routinely hosts more than 55% of all leatherback nests laid in Palm Beach County. The highest nesting density (8 - 13 nests/km) in the continental United States is found here.
Each year between March and June, we patrol a 12-mile stretch of each in search of nesting leatherbacks. Each individual that we encounter receives flipper tags and a microchip (PIT tag). These tags can be read if she is encountered when she returns to the beach to nest. In addition to tags, each turtle is measure and a small biopsy is taken for genetic analysis. We keep detailed records of every encounter to better understand the size and status of the leatherback population.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization specializing in the education, research, and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles. The leatherback research program is funded by private donors and grants. Please consider supporting this important research.
we watched Jesssica on the 29th with a Leatherbackthat was new to the beach what name was given to this turtle
Sylvia – I believe that leatherback was named after you! Jessica had two new turtles that evening – Sylvia and Zena. She said that visitors had named them both so I assume she takes her name after you. I’m so glad you got to see her!
I came upon you all April 4, 2011 on Juno Beach at 10 ish pm Sunday night and watched as you measured the leatherback named Faith. What a miracle of nature. My mom came down and we watched and waited with her until she went back into the ocean. We have had our Juno Beach cottage 35 years and this is the first and I am sure only time we can experience this! You are a doll and answered all my questions(as you did in August when I saw you and the babies when you were on the atv on the juno beach). What, if i may ask, is Faith’s history? I could not find her info on this site. Just a miracle night…I loove Faith! Thank you so much for all your dedication and work….Sarah
Sarah – It was so great to see you tonight and I’m glad you were able to see Fayth! Fayth was tagged in May, 2003 and was seen just once that year. She came back in 2009 and we saw her twice that year. This was the fourth time we’ve seen her in 8 years.
Thank you so much h for the information about Fayth..I love her and you are an amazing teacher and have incredible knowledge. April 4 was just a magical night I am just in awe I got to share that….I hope I see you and the babies this summer! Be careful on the beach…it is really isolated and dark, I don’t know why I never thought about that. Take care!
The “links” on the ABOUT US page don’t work for me….is there some other way to access them?
A friend and I met you on the beach last weekend….we were the ones bothering you on multiple turtles with what I’m sure was an endless number of questions that must be very distracting while you’re trying to work…..apologies for the distractions and THAKS for taking the time to answer them…..
Can you tell me what name was given the turtle that my friend wanted to name BOB, (my choice was DaniBeth)?
thanks,
Steve
Hello,
I have a question about a leatherback I saw nest a few nights ago (the 21st). I watched Chris measure and tag her. It was a wonderful experience! He told me that she would be named Brooke for me. I was wondering how I could track her through your blogs. Do you report on here each turtle by name when they re-nest?
Thank you!
Brooke
What about the new turtle named Brooke for my daughter that was tagged Saturday or Sunday night April 21,22 ? He called in and was told the name was available.
Just wondering,
Karen
Steve – sorry about the links. We have been meaning to do some updating but we have just been so busy! The turtle that you saw ended up being named Harriett. We had promised that name in honor of two of our team members’ grandmothers.
Karen and Brooke, we did name the turtle that you saw Brooke. We haven’t seen her return yet but that is not unusual. We’ll be sure to include it in the blog when she returns! Thanks for your support!
Brooke,
We just wanted to let you know that Brooke the leatherback has nested four times this season! The most recent was last night. She is doing quite well.
Kelly
Hi there,
My family and I were out on Hutchinison Island north of the Jensen Beach public access on May 22 after midnight. We were watching a leatherback lay when I believe one you came up on a 4 wheeler. She had never been tagged and we got to watch the process. It was very cool to see and the turtle was named after my daughter, Kenzie. I was wondering if it was your group that tagged her and if this is where we can follow her through the years. Thanks so much for everything you guys do!! I have been coming to Hutchison Island since I was a little girl and have always loved seeing the turtles nest but in recent years we have been seeing more Leatherbacks up on our end of the coast. We have seen at least one every year for the last 4 yrs when are there for memorial day.
Thanks again for losing sleep!!
Charissa
Thank you for all you do for the turtles!!! You are a favorite stop during our travels to Palm Beach Gardens.