Pinellas County Welcomes First Sea Turtle Hatchlings of the Season Clearwater Marine Aquarium Staff Help Baby Sea Turtles to the Gulf Waters Clearwater - Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) sea turtle nesting staff announce the arrival of the first sea turtle hatchlings of the year. On July 9th, two sea turtle nests hatched on Indian Rocks Beach. Ninety-eight hatchlings from nest #1 and 83 hatchlings from nest #2 safely made it to the water. So far this year, 109 nests have been located, compared to 77 this time last year. As of today, we surpassed last year's total number of nests of 108. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) staff members monitor Pinellas County beaches daily for nests. Sea turtles spend most of their lives at sea. During the night, from May through September, the 350-pound female sea turtles come ashore to deposit her eggs. Here are some sea turtle safety reminders: Turn off outside lights, draw drapes and avoid using flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach from May 1 to October 31. Do not harass adult turtles as they make their way back to sea. They may appear slow or hesitant and this is normal. If you see an adult turtle, do not approach, make noises, shine lights or use photo equipment with a flash. Do not pick up hatchlings heading toward the water, shine lights or use photo equipment with a flash. Report all sea turtle sightings to CMA at 727-441-1790 ext. 224.

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