Program Overview

Introduction to the Jacksonville University Sea Turtle Program

The Jacksonville University Sea Turtle Program was created through a partnership between Jacksonville University and Mickler's Landing Turtle Patrol. This program is designed to protect and conserve sea turtles and their coastal habitats through collaborative research, education, and community engagement.

Program Objectives

• Protect and conserve sea turtles and their coastal habitats
• Create meaningful, real-world experiences for Jacksonville University students
• Integrate the university's academic mission with environmental stewardship within the surrounding community

Nesting Season

Northeast Florida

The nesting season for sea turtles in Northeast Florida typically runs from May 1 to October 31.

Nest to Ocean: Protecting Florida's Sea Turtle Shores

Florida is home to the world's largest population of nesting loggerhead sea turtles, which are currently listed as threatened in the U.S. and vulnerable globally. The program also monitors green sea turtles and leatherbacks.

Research and Education

• Daily sea turtle nest monitoring from April 15 through October 31 along a 4.6-mile stretch of Ponte Vedra Beach
• Students participate in locating new nests and monitoring existing ones, gathering data to support research
• Education outreach to build public speaking skills and teach the next generation about environmental stewardship
• Students can explore their own research questions to learn more about sea turtles and the community's relationship with them

Sea Turtle Species

• Loggerhead (Caretta caretta): A large-headed sea turtle with a reddish-brown shell and powerful jaws
• Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas): Mostly herbivores as adults, growing to nearly a meter long
• Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii): The smallest sea turtle species, critically endangered
• Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea): The largest sea turtle species, with a soft, flexible shell

September Nesting Numbers

• Loggerhead: 95
• Green: 8
• Kemp's Ridley: 0
• Leatherback: 1

Program Impact

Through research, education, hands-on conservation, and a strong community partnership, the Jacksonville University Sea Turtle Program is committed to protecting sea turtles and their fragile coastal environments. The program supports vital nest monitoring, scientific studies, and student education, all critical to ensuring a brighter future for sea turtles in Northeast Florida.

About the Marine Science Research Institute

The Marine Science Research Institute is Jacksonville University's hub for hands-on research and learning across local, state, and national ecosystems.

Partnership with Mickler's Landing Turtle Patrol

The partnership between Jacksonville University and Mickler's Landing Turtle Patrol is a team of community volunteers and JU students monitoring sea turtle nests along 4.6 miles of Ponte Vedra Beach and connecting the community to sea turtles and their coastal nesting habitat.