Turtle Tracks Newsletter

January 2026

🐢🌊 Green sea turtles are ingesting plastic from far beyond their range

Plastic pollution has reached even the most remote parts of the ocean. From tiny plankton to giant whales, many marine animals now carry plastic inside their bodies.

A recent study focused on green sea turtles living near the Ogasawara Islands in Japan. The findings show how plastic travels across borders and affects animals far from its original source.

The research looked closely at what green sea turtles eat and how plastic enters their bodies during long ocean journeys.

By combining several scientific methods, the team uncovered strong evidence that plastic pollution is not a local problem but a global one.

🐢🌊 Find Save-A-Turtle at the Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo!

Save-A-Turtle is excited to be part of the 22nd Annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo on Saturday, January 24 (8am–4pm) and Sunday, January 25 (8am–2pm) at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce grounds.

Stop by our turtle trailer to meet our team, learn about sea turtles and conservation efforts in the Florida Keys, and check out our really cool turtle-inspired merchandise — perfect for ocean lovers of all ages! Every purchase supports our mission to protect and preserve endangered sea turtles.

With over 100 vendors, food and beverage booths, and fun for the whole family, this is one nautical event you won’t want to miss. Come say hi, talk turtles, and show your love for marine life! 💚🐢⚓

🐢 Do You Love Sea Turtles and Sunrise Beach Walks? 🐢

Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys is looking for dedicated volunteers from Islamorada to Key West to help protect endangered sea turtles during the upcoming nesting season.

Each year, our volunteers play a vital role in monitoring local beaches, protecting nests, and helping ensure hatchlings have a safe start to life. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the Florida Keys environment while becoming part of a passionate, conservation-driven community.

As a Save-A-Turtle volunteer, you’ll:

Make a direct impact in your local community
Help protect endangered sea turtles and their nesting habitats
Learn about sea turtles and coastal conservation

Volunteer Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older
Attend a required online training (via Microsoft Teams; dates TBD)
Be available for early-morning beach walks shortly after sunrise (times vary)
Be located in the Florida Keys from April 15 through October 31

All trainings are conducted virtually, and 2026 training dates will be announced closer to the season.

If you’re interested in joining our sea turtle conservation team, please email volunteer@save-a-turtle.org and let us know which area of the Keys you’d prefer to volunteer in.

Join us in making a difference for sea turtles and the beaches we all love — one morning walk at a time. 💚🌊🐢

Protect Our Marine Neighbors:

Safe Boating Saves Lives 💙🐬🐢

Boat strike victim that did not survive. Red arrow indicates start of strike wound.

Each year, dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are injured or lost due to boat strikes. While these incidents are tragic, the good news is that many of them are entirely preventable. With a little awareness and care, boaters can play a powerful role in protecting the marine life that makes our waters so special.

Here are a few simple ways you can make a big impact every time you’re on the water:

👀 Keep an Eye Out

Designate a passenger as a wildlife watcher to scan ahead for surfacing dolphins, manatees, or sea turtles. Spotting wildlife early can prevent serious injuries and save lives.

🐢 Take It Slow

Follow posted no-wake and slow-speed zones at all times. These speed limits are in place to protect animals in important feeding, resting, and travel areas—and slowing down helps keep everyone safer on the water.

📞 Report Animals in Need

If you encounter an injured or stranded marine animal, contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) immediately. Prompt reporting gives rescue teams the best chance to help.

Every thoughtful choice you make on the water helps ensure that dolphins continue to leap, manatees can graze in peace, and sea turtles return safely to our shores—now and for generations to come. 🌊💚

Outreach poster developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Hawai'i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

January 2026 Board Meeting and Elections

Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting

(meeting link is static and good for each monthly meeting)

Monday, January 12, 2026

6:30 - 8:30PM

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 829 7023 2616

Passcode: 210787

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US

+16469313860,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US

2025 Save-A-Turtle Board Members

President: Heather Skelley

Vice President: Dave Wiggins

Treasurer: Dawn Bowles

Secretary: Chelsea Oatman

Board Member: Harry Appel

Board Member: Jennifer DeMaria

Board Member: Alyssa Gruebele

Board Member: Betheny Rodden

Board Member: Jana Wiggins

Technical Advisor: Sue Schaf

🐢💚 Love Sea Turtles? Let’s Connect!

If sea turtles make your heart happy (they sure make ours!), you’ll love what we share online. From fun turtle facts and easy eco-friendly tips to behind-the-scenes peeks at our conservation work, there’s always something new to discover. 🌊✨

Looking for some cool Save-A-Turtle merchandise? Take a look at our ONLINE STORE.

📱 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay inspired, learn, and help spread the message of protecting sea turtles and our planet.

Together, we can make waves for wildlife—one share at a time! 🌍💙

10 Tremendous Turtle Facts

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Report Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles in Florida

Call FWCC at 888-404-FWCC (3922)

Connect with us!!!

Donate Here