Mote Marine Laboratory has announced the establishment of a voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone (STPZ) in Sarasota County. Its main focus is to protect sea turtles from unintended boat strikes. The Sea Turtle Protection Zone initiative was created in 2021 through a partnership between the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at the University of Florida. Mote scientists documented boat-strike hotspots in local waters and mapped the voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone for this area. The zone stretches from Longboat Key to Siesta Key, including Sarasota Bay, and extends from shore to 1.5 miles offshore.

“We’re excited to partner with the community to help protect sea turtles in the areas where we see the most animals struck by boats,” says Gretchen Lovewell, Mote’s Stranding Investigations program manager. “By closely monitoring for changes in stranding numbers and boater speeds, we hope to expand the zone and our monitoring efforts to all hot spot areas in the county.”

Sea turtles are threatened and endangered species found year-round in Southwest Florida waters. During nesting season, sea turtles spend more time closer to the surface and close to their nesting beaches. With more turtles near the surface, there’s a greater chance that a boat might strike one by mistake. Many of the grass flats in the area are prime foraging grounds for sea turtles, which also puts them at risk for boat strikes.

Boaters can protect sea turtles by slowing down and using vigilance in key locations.

“Since the 1980s, sea turtle vessel strikes have tripled in Florida and unfortunately more than 90 percent of sea turtles with definitive boat strike injuries have resulted in fatalities,” says Valerie Nicole Tovar, conservation manager at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “Our goal with the STPZ is to increase boater awareness and enlist boater voluntary compliance to decrease sea turtle injuries and deaths by creating a united front with our local boating communities. The STPZ has served as a vital tool for sea turtle conservation in Palm Beach County and will continue to do so in Sarasota.” 

The project is funded by the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research with funds from Disney Conservation Fund and, in part, by a grant awarded from the Sea Turtle Grants Program. The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded by proceeds from the sale of the Florida sea turtle license plate.

Hot spots for boat-struck sea turtles are Longboat Pass, New Pass, Big Pass, Siesta Key, Venice Inlet, and offshore two miles north of New Pass to two miles south of Big Pass extending out one and a half miles. Limit travel time within these hot spots and travel at a minimum safe speed when in these areas. 

To report distressed, injured or deceased sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or whales in the Sarasota-Manatee area, call Mote's strandings hotline at (888) 345-2335. For locations elsewhere in Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922.

Here's How Boaters Can Help Sea Turtles

Go slow

Follow Coast Guard-approved safe boating guidelines. Go as slow as safely possible in areas bounded by red lines—the voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone—and limit your travel time in these areas. Follow any posted speed-zone signs, which are required by law.

Wear polarized sunglasses

This will help you see and avoid sea turtles in your path. Also, ask one of your passengers to be the designated wildlife spotter.

Report stranded sea turtles (and marine mammals)

In Sarasota and Manatee counties, call Mote at (888) 345-2335. Elsewhere in Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922.

Stow trash

Be sure to stow trash and line when under way. Marine debris that accidentally blows overboard or out of a vehicle can become ingested by or entangled around marine life.

Keep the water trash free

Never discard trash in the water.