Sarasota Police assist in sea turtle rescue

It’s becoming an annual tradition: Another Sarasota Police officer has aided in the rescue of sea turtle hatchlings on Lido Key.

Officer Alicia Hasiak helped connect beachgoers who discovered distressed baby turtles on north Lido Beach with staff at Mote Marine Laboratory Sunday, after which Mote took marine reptiles into custody. The tiny turtles are several of the hundreds of hatchlings under care at the research center's "turtle hospital."

"Mote has received over 300 hatchlings that have been washed ashore this season and more than 1,000 overall hatchlings have been admitted to Mote's sea turtle hospital," said Mote spokeswoman Kaitlyn Fusco."And we have about 300 hatchlings in the hospital currently."

Last November, SPD partnered with Mote to aid in the release of two Loggerhead turtles, which were rehabilitating due to injuries sustained during nesting season. SPD used a patrol boat to transport the critters to a specific site on the water filled with seaweed, which the turtles use to find food and shelter.

In 2013, Officer Derek Conley stopped traffic several times while collecting more than 100 lost sea turtles in a box and releasing them into the gulf.

According to a Mote news release, with the recent stormy weather in Southwest Florida, Mote Marine Lab has responded to reports of storm-damaged sea turtle nests and hatchlings washing ashore in Longboat Key through Venice, where Mote monitors sea turtle nesting activity each day of nesting season, which runs from May 1 through Oct. 31. The weather has calmed, but throughout nesting season it is important for the public to call for expert advice and assistance if nests or hatchlings need help.

If you have a question about storm impacts or other issues with sea turtle nests, nesting turtles or hatchlings from Longboat Key through Venice, please call Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program at 941-388-4331.