SARASOTA, Fla. — Coming up on the peak of turtle nesting season, scientists are working to keep track of how many turtles are laying eggs.
Mote Marine staff and volunteers check beaches daily and mark off new Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests.
Federal and state laws make it illegal to disturb Loggerhead Sea Turtle's nest, because they are an endangered species.
Melissa Bernhard, a senior biologist at Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, said she is hopeful that the turtle's population is increasing.
"At least here, we've had increasing nesting numbers, which is a good sign for their populations, um, but we're still cautiously optimistic about that", Bernhard said.
Bernard said the peak of nesting season coincides with the week of July 4th, so people need to be extra careful at the beach. She suggests removing your trash, fill any holes you dig and turn off your lights at night.
