To Report a Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtle in the state of Florida, please call FWCC at 800-404-FWCC (3922)
Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of rare and endangered marine turtles and to the enhancement of their habitats here in the Keys. The organization was formed in 1985 under the sponsorship of the Florida Park Service, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or FWCC), and St. James the Fisherman Church. We continue partnering with other like-minded organizations throughout the world. |
What We Do
Save-A-Turtle (SAT) is comprised of Volunteers throughout the Florida Keys who monitor the beaches during nesting season. Everyday, our permitted beach walkers rise before the sun to walk the beaches in search of Sea Turtle nests. The nests are staked and monitored through hatching, apprx 60 days later, and excavations are performed afterwards, where we collect critical data regarding the hatchlings. This data is forwarded to the State of Florida and used for Sea Turtle preservation.
Often, live babies are found stuck or tangled in roots within the nest, and our permitted members will gently free and assess the little ones. If they are in need of a little R&R or care, they are whisked to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, where they are tended to until they are able to be released
back to Mother Ocean.
Often, live babies are found stuck or tangled in roots within the nest, and our permitted members will gently free and assess the little ones. If they are in need of a little R&R or care, they are whisked to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, where they are tended to until they are able to be released
back to Mother Ocean.
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Our officers and board Members also work with the community at special events and through outreach programs at elementary schools providing education regarding the turtles themselves, nesting habits, predatory and environmental threats, and turtle friendly lighting. Save-A-Turtle conducts monthly meetings with an educational presentation which are open to the public.
Many of our members also volunteer with the Florida Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network and assist FWCC as needed throughout the Keys . Click below for downloadable PDF about SAT |
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Meet the Board
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A Letter from our President
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“I have many goals to continue to grow Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Inc. which include continuing to recruit new members; continue our educational efforts regarding threats to sea turtles concerning lighting issues, pollution, sea level rise, and loss of habitat, and continue to grow the stranding and salvage network for sea turtles within the Florida Keys. In order to do this, I will also focus efforts on fundraising for our non-profit organization.
Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Inc. plans to partner with other like-minded organizations for joint fundraising efforts, as well as continue our presence at all local and grassroots festivals, events, and celebrations to show our presence in the Keys, and excite people young and old about imperiled sea turtles. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as President, and plan to maximize my efforts during my tenure. Along with Save-A-Turtle’s dedicated array of Board members I’m confident all these goals will be met and exceeded. I call upon all members to help us spread the vital message about endangered and threatened sea turtles and encourage your friends, families, colleagues and acquaintances to join our organization. Here in the Florida Keys there is much work to be done, and I truly look forward to this opportunity to do my part. Harry Appel, President, Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys.” |
