Grant: 24-005R
Project Title: North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation Monitoring and Rescue Vehicle
Project Manager: Helen Justice
Organization: North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $20,000.00
Completion Date:
Summary: The North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation records and monitors sea turtle nesting activity along more than four miles of pristine gulf beaches on North Captiva Island. In line with trends across the state of Florida, North Captiva has witnessed record numbers of sea turtle nests in private, residential and protected stretches of beach across the island. As a barrier island with limited development and no automobile access, North Captiva is an ideal habitat for both Loggerhead and Green Sea turtles. Volunteer surveyors proactively screen or cage as many nests as possible on the island to deter depredation by mammalian predators. Presently, the North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation's Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) is inoperable due to environmental factors on the island and maintenance-related issues as a result of ongoing exposure to salt water and other elements. This project will purchase a new electric vehicle with enhanced capabilities, in addition to a manufacturer warranty, to assist in marine sea turtle monitoring and rescue operations across North Captiva Island.
Results: