SEA TURTLES are large marine reptiles that have roamed the earth’s seas for millions of years. Today, seven unique species, and one sub species, utilize oceanic and coastal areas across the world. Providing sanctuary for five sea turtle species, Florida’s beaches, nearshore reefs, and lush seagrass beds are some of the most biologically important habitats that need our attention. Although sea turtles have been using these habitats for generations to forage and reproduce, over the last century, populations have declined due to many human activities and behaviors. As a result, all species were designated as either threatened or endangered under the U.S. endangered species act in the early 1970s.

It has been over 40 years since this critical designation was assigned and thankfully positive consequences are being observed in part due to fisheries management, coastal light management, predatory control programs, and beach management. Individual people have also contributed to the current success story of sea turtles by making sustainable changes to their daily lives.

Coastal Connections Inc.’s mission is to protect coastal habitats for sea turtle survival by educating and connecting people to the environment. We use diverse approaches to meet our mission and to involve all people in the ongoing success story of sea turtle recovery.