Photos submitted by Len Kreger
May 12, 2014 5:09
Turtle watcher, Len Kreger informed the Fernandina Observer that a leatherback sea turtle has nested on Amelia Island. This is the second leatherback to nest on the island this year. Volunteers for the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch began their early morning patrols to flag sea turtle nests on May 1.
According to NationalGeographic.com “While all other sea turtles have hard, bony shells, the inky-blue carapace of the leatherback is somewhat flexible and almost rubbery to the touch. Ridges along the carapace help give it a more hydrodynamic structure. Leatherbacks can dive to depths of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters)—deeper than any other turtle—and can stay down for up to 85 minutes.” Leatherbacks range from 800 to 2000 lbs and they can reach up to 7 feet in length.
Kreger said the smaller loggerhead turtles should begin nesting any day.