Sea turtle nesting runs annually from March through September. Every morning dedicated volunteers and trained biologists, from the Marine Life Center in Juno, survey the beach to track and record leatherback, green and loggerhead turtles that come ashore.

They also incorporate a nest excavation program. Following Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s strict regulations and protocols on egg excavation, the biologists hand dig into nest until they reach “the clutch”. Each clutch contains anywhere from 80-150 eggs.

Once reached, the biologists sort eggs to determine nest productivity and hatchling success. Hatchlings found are brought back to the Center for a few days before released.