Local Volunteers Join Forces to Save Sea Turtles on Our Beaches!

Volusia County, USA - The sandy shores of Volusia and Flagler counties are on the frontline of sea turtle conservation, thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers. As the nesting season heats up between May 1 and October 31, the Flagler Sea Turtle Patrol, alongside its Volusia counterpart, has been working diligently to ensure the safety of these majestic creatures. Lori Ottlein, a veteran volunteer with the Flagler Sea Turtle Patrol for 23 years, was inspired by the sight of fellow volunteers tending to turtle nests and now plays an essential role in this protective crusade.

Every dawn, equipped with ATVs, these committed individuals patrol the beaches, searching for new nests to mark with sticks and tape. Their vigilance prevents disturbances that could jeopardize the future of green, loggerhead, and leatherback turtles, the three species commonly found nesting along our coastlines. Remarkably, the patrol’s efforts have paid off: turtle nests in Volusia and Flagler counties have jumped from dozens in the 1980s to several hundred in recent years, showcasing a heartening success story in marine conservation. As reported by the News-Journal Online, Flagler County has even seen a notable increase in leatherback nests this year, with eight reported.

Monitoring the Nesting Season

What’s truly impressive is that nest counts can vary each year. For instance, the latest tallies for 2025 show Volusia County reporting 485 nests so far, compared to 902 in 2024 and a whopping 1,516 in 2023. Flagler County, on the other hand, has 103 nests, down from 145 last year but still a notable figure. This fluctuation can often be attributed to beach projects that may deter nesting turtles.

The dedicated work of volunteers not only ensures the safety of the nests but also clears beaches of obstacles for hatchlings making their way to the ocean. Unfortunately, dangers such as artificial lighting, beach furniture, and deep holes pose risks to these vulnerable hatchlings. With threats lurking both on land and in the ocean, these young turtles face daunting odds. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, despite the myriad dangers, there’s a brighter picture emerging for sea turtle populations globally, thanks to concerted conservation efforts.

A Global Perspective on Sea Turtle Conservation

A recent review highlights that many sea turtle populations are on the rise due to enhanced protections and conservation initiatives, particularly in regions implementing measures to reduce artificial lighting that confuses hatchlings. Overfishing and poaching have also decreased markedly in recent years, prompting a turn toward ecotourism in various communities. This shift is helping to spotlight the value of these splendid creatures as vital components of marine ecosystems rather than mere commodities.

While most populations are thriving—four out of five regional populations of green sea turtles are increasing—some species like the Pacific leatherback turtles are struggling. Climate change is another pressing concern that could reverse some of the progress made. Warmer incubation temperatures tend to produce more female hatchlings, potentially skewing future populations. On a positive note, reports indicate that loggerhead turtles may be adapting by nesting in cooler areas, a hopeful sign for maintaining balanced sex ratios among hatchlings.

Our local volunteers not only monitor nests but have become a part of this larger narrative of conservation success. They embody the changing attitudes toward sea turtles, especially among younger generations who now view these creatures as essential to marine health. With each patrol, they remove obstacles and educate the public on how to coexist with our ocean’s giants. The collaborative efforts of volunteers in Volusia and Flagler counties are indeed a fine example of community spirit making a meaningful difference in the lives of our marine friends.