RHES and Sea Turtle Oversight Protection

RHES (Reaseheath Herpetological and Entomological Society) received a talk and presentation on the work carried out by Sea Turtle Oversight Protection (STOP), based in Florida. STOP work on the beaches of Florida redirecting disorientated sea turtles back to the sea. Light pollution from the bright cities surrounding the beaches disorientate the turtles causing them to misjudge their intended destination after hatching.  STOP monitor turtles laying  eggs and time the hatchings so they can be on hand to take the hatchlings back to the sea. STOP also support with community education and work with local authorities to improve coastal lighting for wildlife.

Holly, a representative from STOP provided RHES with a presentation and talk over Skype all the way from Florida covering: sea turtle natural history, the roles of STOP, footage and photographs of work carried out, the future of STOP and the work they are doing to improve coastal lighting. Holly also invited RHES out to Florida during breeding season to assist in the redirections of sea turtle hatchlings, which the group were really excited about.

RHES would like to thank Holly for taking the time to talk to the group and the information put into the presentation gave the group a fantastic insight into work being carried out by herpetologists across the globe.

If you would like to find out more information about STOP, you can follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaTurtleOP.