Morning crew member Mikayla Twiss excavates a sea turtle nest on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
More than 140,000 sea turtle hatchlings come to life each year in Broward County, beginning a journey for survival that has a major impact on the health and economic vitality of our coastal communities and ecosystems. This year’s nesting will end in October, marking another successful season of partnership between NSU and Broward County to protect sea turtle habitats, educate and involve the public, and contribute to the sustainability of our ocean resources.
Sierra Ciciarelli, outreach and assistant field manager of Broward County, explains to onlookers sea turtle nesting and the importance of being eco-friendly.
Sea turtle conservation efforts are critical to NSU’s support and leadership in the “blue economy,” which ties the health of our oceans to the health of our economy.
As a hub for research and education, NSU helps communities make the connection between the sustainable use of ocean resources, economic growth, and quality of life. In Florida alone, it is estimated that ocean-related activities and businesses generate billions of dollars in economic value and support thousands of jobs. Sea turtle conservation is one of several NSU focus areas aligning with the blue economy. Among others: coral restoration, shark research, and marine biodiversity.
Sierra Ciciarelli, outreach and assistant field manager of Broward County, has been working with NSU teams to monitor sea turtle nesting activity along 24 miles of beaches for five seasons. Ciciarelli says turtles are an essential component of ocean health and advises the public to avoid exposing the turtles to light, keep beaches clean, and above all, avoid nesting areas.
“When hatchlings disorient,” she says, “they can find their way into unsafe places such as pools, storm drains, and roads rather than the ocean.”
NSU’s work with sea turtles is just one of many collaborative research and conservation initiatives that help support the economic and social vitality of ocean-related communities. Other areas of research and education include sea-level rise, erosion, and water quality; coral reef science and conservation; and sustainable marine practices. To learn more, visit: https://www.nova.edu/ghoc/index.html.
