Mote documents 4,928 sea turtle nests in Sarasota County in 2026

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium documented 4,928 sea turtle nests along Sarasota County beaches during the 2026 nesting season, the organization said.Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program monitored 35 miles of coastline from Longboat Key to Venice. The program documented 4,732 loggerhead nests and 196 green sea turtle nests.No Kemp’s ridley or leatherback nests were recorded this season, according to Mote.Loggerhead sea turtles account for most nests recorded along Sarasota County beaches.The program also documented 253 sea turtle disorientations in 2026. Mote said artificial lighting along the shoreline can mislead hatchlings or nesting females away from the water, potentially causing exhaustion, dehydration or death.Mote said loggerheads and green sea turtles face threats including coastal development, artificial lighting and other human activity.Mote Marine researchers identify disease-resistant corals in largest lab study of its kindMote’s se