Green Turtle Nesting in Florida 49 



to the population. In the long term, it may be impossible to sustain both 

 viable turtle populations and extensive development, regardless of res- 

 trictive legislation against take or harm. To adequately protect a popu- 

 lation, all habitats used during each life stage must also be protected. 



IS THE POPULATION INCREASING? 



Despite the spurt of development along much of the southeast 

 Florida coast, there can be little doubt that there are now more green 

 turtles reported nesting than there were 20 years ago. A number of 

 explanations are possible. 



Better surveillance. — The first reports of green turtle nesting in 

 Florida (Carr and Ingle 1959; Routa 1967; Gallagher et al. 1971) were 

 based on the observations of a few individuals, made either by chance 

 or while working a limited stretch of beach. Since 1959, there has been a 

 substantial increase in the number of sea turtle beach patrols and the 

 extent of beach covered. In 1979, the Florida Department of Natural 

 Resources listed 20 areas regularly surveyed, and 29 in 1980. As an 

 example, intensive aerial surveys revealed significant nesting in the Seb- 

 astian Inlet North area where only incidental observations had been 

 made in the past. Better surveillance undoubtedly accounts for some of 

 the increase in reported nests, and additional patrols will likely increase 

 future estimates of the level of Florida nesting. 



Greater public awareness. — During the last several years, there has 

 been increased publicity concerning sea turtles and the threats facing 

 them. Articles have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines, 

 and some local governments have even begun to fund sea turtle beach 

 patrols and adopt regulations designed to assist conservation efforts. R. 

 Witham (pers. comm.) believes that greater public awareness may help 

 to decrease poaching, since citizens alert law enforcement agencies of 

 suspected illegal activity. The appearance of a "strange" turtle (as 

 opposed to the numerous loggerheads) is likely to result in reports to 

 appropriate authorities. 



Protective legislation. — The State of Florida has had laws protect- 

 ing green turtles, and their eggs and nests, since 1953, although these 

 laws applied only from May through August. In 1974, the Florida 

 Legislature extended the laws to include year-round protection for sea 

 turtles (Shelfer 1978). These laws are strictly enforced by the Florida 

 Marine Patrol of the Department of Natural Resources. In 1978, the 

 green turtle breeding population in Florida was listed as Endangered 

 under provisions of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 

 amended (16 U.S. Code 1531-43). The turtles and all parts and pro- 

 ducts, including eggs and shells, are fully protected. The U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, working in con- 



