Heads up, beach enthusiasts: the next time you’re strolling along the ocean's edge, you might just stumble upon something much rarer than seashells or sea glass. The SJC Beaches has issued an alert for beachgoers to keep an eye out for Washback Sea Turtles hiding within the Sargassum seaweed. These little creatures are dealing with a real problem as they’re washed ashore, unable to return to their oceanic cradle without a helping hand. SJC Beaches cautions that these turtles need our attention, so if you find one, they're asking you to call HCP Supervisor Ashley Raybould at (904) 814-1287 for the next steps.
The reason for this unique occurrence is more than just a case of bad luck for these turtles. There's something called "washbacks" happening. It's when hatchlings that previously made it to the Sargassum seaweed line offshore, are pushed back onto the beach by fall storms. The habitat conservation team has a drop box located at 901 Pope Road, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 where these vulnerable turtles can be safely deposited. Remember, these little guys have emptied their tank, using up all their egg energy reserves, and they depend entirely on human intervention to survive.
But what exactly is a Washback? As explained by the SJC Beaches in their social media post, these are young sea turtles that, after reaching the Sargassum line, find themselves at the mercy of strong winds and ocean currents that send them back to the shore. Tragically, they are often unable to return to the sea without intervention. The phenomenon is not as rare as one might hope, particularly during the stormy fall season, making the vigilance of beachgoers crucial for the survival of these turtles.
And for those who are curious, more information can be found by visiting the SJC Beaches' Facebook page for the full scoop and updates on the situation.
