Uproar Develops Over Unwanted Sea Turtle Nests On Private Land
A small and little-known but wealthy community on the coast of Florida has a very unusual complaint to make. The residents of Belleair Shore are clashing with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium regarding unwanted sea turtle nests on what they say is private property. Believe it or not, the landowners report that they are upset about the numbers of nests that have appeared on the beachfront. It turns out that the Aquarium has been relocating several nests to that location; however, most of these nests were laid naturally, and the CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, David Yates, explains that they have been relocating these nests for 30 years with no prior issue until now. Apparently there is a tight controversy regarding the correct property margins and Yates appeals that the relocated nests were placed on the public beach, while the landowners argue that they were trespassing on their private property. Because Belleair Shore has denied beach restoration assistance offers in the past, this area is a prime spot for nesting sea turtles, since it is mainly untouched by human presence; thus, aquarium volunteers have been diligently monitoring nearby nests in order to relocate them to this area as it is a safe haven to ensure successful hatching. Recently, Belleair Shore cracked down on their beach access rules and this caused a violent uproar, ending with the community electing two mayors. Yates dismisses all of the drama, saying that in no time at all the sea turtles will be on their way back to the ocean and the argument will be forgotten.
Turtle News From Around the World
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Crime & Punishment
Africa: Cracking down on sea turtle regulations
Health & Medical
USA: Fortunate sea turtles receive second chance
USA: Miracle turtle heads back to the ocean
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Photo from Craig Pittman.
