Grant: 25-034C
Project Title: ATVs for Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program Nesting Surveys
Project Manager: Rachel Warren
Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $18,438.00
Completion Date: 2025-10-21
Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) monitors sea turtle activity each year from April 15th - October 31st on approximately 56 km of coastline comprised of five separate keys. Local nest numbers been on the rise with over 10,000 crawls recorded the past two years straight, resulting in an increased need for efficiency in survey efforts while we are simultaneously experiencing a reduction in program funding. Our primary source of program funding is through local municipalities associated with beach nourishment projects. We obtained one new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through the Sea Turtle Grants Program in 2019 and 2020, and used them for morning surveys on different islands throughout the nesting season. During the 2024 season, four of the vehicles were subjected to the extensive storm surge created by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which both impacted the area within two weeks of each other. All four ATVs were deemed total losses, and will need to be replaced prior to the start of the 2025 season. This project will cover the cost of two ATVs to incorporate into our morning sea turtle patrol on another increasingly busy nesting beach. The vehicles will be utilized by the STCRP during regular nesting surveys so that we can continue to collect data on species, crawl type, crawl locations, and obstructions encountered in a more efficient and effective manner. ATVs allow us to traverse long distances in shorter periods of time. All of the nests on our beaches are marked with 2-6 stakes, and we also have significant predator issues, which can require carrying cages and/or screens to apply to nests in addition to the stakes. As a result of the increasing nest numbers, ATVs are an increasingly integral component in the ability of the STCRP to continue its successful conservation efforts in a timely manner. The use of ATVs increases and strengthens our ability to conserve and protect sea turtles and their habitat in Sarasota County.
Results: On May 5th, 2025 Mote Marine Laboratory's Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program (STCRP) ordered two green 4X4 ATVs with funds provided by the Sea Turtle License Plate Grant. After they were ordered and the purchased was finalized, the two ATVs were delivered from West Coast Power Sports to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on May 30th. An appointment was scheduled at Line-X of Sarasota where they were dropped off for two weeks for the completion of their Line-X and military grade undercoating treatments that were applied to both ATVs. They were picked up from Line-X on July 9th and Sea Turtle Grant Program license plates were attached to the back of each ATV. They were both taken to the beach and utilized in morning patrol surveys for the remainder of the season. They were essential for our ability to provide daily beach raking clearances in a timely manner. They received a lot of positive attention from the public, and these encounters presented many opportunities to educate the public about sea turtles, their nesting habitats, and what can be done to help support sea turtle conservation and research. On top of normal nesting survey activities, the ATVs were also used in the rescue and transport of many injured birds and other wildlife. STCRP shared our appreciation for the immense Sea Turtle Grant that we received by publishing it on the Mote Marine website. We also thanked Sea Turtle Grant in our annual STCRP Newsletter that gets sent to over 1,000 people who have been involved in with the STCRP over the years. The Sea Turtle Grant Program is acknowledged for funding on the STCRP database webpage that is used by our staff, interns and volunteers every day.