Sea Turtles and Manatee Grass

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Sea Turtle Report 05-29-25

Sea Turtle nests in Marco are almost as high as last year’s for this same period (15 vs. 16). The typical peaks occur between the last week of May and the third week of June. Nesting sea turtles are arriving as predicted – let’s all make sure the beach is free of obstacles such as trash, beach chairs/tents, and make sure you fill in the holes before you leave the beach.

From South Beach to the Sand Dollar spit, beach walkers walked over or around what they first perceived as dead seaweed washed ashore. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the whitish material is called “Syringodium filiforme,” a type of sea grass consumed by manatees and sea turtles, with a common name of “manatee grass.” It is noodle-like in appearance and often seen floating offshore in big clumps, and eventually ends up on the shoreline. These are the detached grass leaves bleached by the sun. According to Mote Marine Laboratory, manatee grass grows along the coasts of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and grows best in muddy shallow saltwater habitats.