Using science and community collaboration to help protect Florida’s sea turtles from being hit by boats 𓆉
05/27/2026
Wondering what your sea turtle-obsessed teen might mean when texting “LOL” or GTG”? It may just be a shorthand way to share reminders of sea turtle-safe boating practices.
Which abbreviation will you be using to remind your captain to look out for sea turtles next time you’re headed out?
05/22/2026
Heading out this Memorial Day Weekend? Don’t forget your:
🕶️ Polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun while helping you spot turtles below the surface. Don’t forget your sunglasses strap!
💧Water to stay hydrated- kept extra cool with a koozie
🌞 Sunscreen and a buff to protect you from the sun
🗺️ Map of your local voluntary sea turtle protection zone, where you can take action to protect sea turtles
Remember, out here, there’s time to go slow for those above and below to make sure everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend 🐢
05/20/2026
Where will you be boating this Memorial Day Weekend? 🦀🐚🐬
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for our coast- more boats means more of a risk for a sea turtle to be accidentally hit. This weekend, remember to enjoy the ride, not the rush.
Screenshot the postcard for your destination to send to your friends and family to remind them that out here, there’s time to go slow for wildlife 🏝️🌞🐢
Whew, that turtle was lucky! Sadly, many are not. This National Safe Boating Week, we are reminded of ways to practice safe boating to protect ourselves, our passengers, and the wildlife that call our waters home. 🛟🐢⚓️🐬
Assigning a wildlife spotter can help you avoid accidental collisions with sea turtles and other wildlife.
Follow us to learn more about actions you can take to protect sea turtles while boating 🐢🛥️
1 in 4 sea turtles found dead or injured in Florida were hit by a boat; 98% of them don’t survive. This Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is one of the lucky few that did.
Today is Endangered Species Day: a day that exists to remind us of the wildlife that need our help before they disappear forever.
As a Florida boater, you care deeply about the diverse wildlife found in your waters; by slowing down in voluntary sea turtle protection zones, you are helping to protect endangered species like Kemp’s ridley sea turtles so they remain in Florida’s waters for generations to come.
# BoatersForTurtles
05/15/2026
Have you spotted one of our new signs at your local boat ramp?
Last month, we hung signs at seven different boat ramps spanning the St. Pete, Destin, and Sarasota areas. These signs serve as a reminder of the voluntary sea turtle protection zones along Florida’s Gulf Coast where boaters are encouraged to go slow for those below.
A big thank you to our partners who helped install signs, including the folks from Okaloosa County and the city of St. Pete!
Next time you’re launching at one of these ramps, keep an eye out and check the map of your local zone! 🐢🛥️🌞
Florida’s coastal waters are unmatched; incredible biodiversity, stunning coastlines, and opportunities to see something extraordinary right from the helm 🐢🐬🫧
Much like sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, sharks, and rays are often found near the surface, putting them at risk of accidental boat strikes. You’re already keeping your eyes peeled out there — and the slower you go, the more you may see.
How many of these species have you been lucky enough to spot out on the water? Let us know in the comments 🐢🐬🦈
Heading out this weekend? Add these three things to your weekend boating checklist.
The ✅ map of your local sea turtle protection zone, ✅ pair of polarized sunglasses, and ✅ assigned wildlife spotter will help your trip go smoothly for you and the sea turtles.
You’ve got the tools and the knowledge; out here, there’s time to do it right.
On Earth Day, we spent the evening talking about sea turtle-safe boating at Mote Science Education Aquarium’s Remake Learning Days Event 🐢
We hope to see you at the next event- catch us at the Lionfish Festival in Destin in less than two weeks!