Poachers take eggs from four sea turtle nests

Photo provided by Mote Marine Lab

Mote Marine Labratory's Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers examine a turtle nest cavity on a Venice beach from which poachers stole the eggs on June 6. Poachers have taken eggs from four loggerhead sea turtle nests on Sarasota County beaches in the past week. Photo made available by Mote Marine on June 12, 2009

By Kate Spinner

Published: Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, June 12, 2009 at 1:10 p.m.

Four loggerhead sea turtle nests were robbed of their eggs by poachers this week, according to Mote Marine Laboratories in Sarasota.

Volunteer sea turtle monitors for Mote found the nests dug up and empty of eggs on Casey Key and Venice Beach.

Loggerhead sea turtles are protected under the Federal Engangered Species Act and state imperilled species laws.

Poaching carries a federal fine of up to $100,000 and one year in prison and state fines of up to $500 and an additional $100 for every stolen egg.

According to Mote, law enforcement authorities do not know who stole the eggs, which are often sold on the black market.

Sea turtles lay an average of about 100 eggs per nest, but only one in 1,000 eggs produce a hatchling that will survive into adulthood.

If you encounter someone harassing a sea turtle, digging a sea turtle nest or handling sea turtle eggs, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 immediately.

Very few people are authorized to relocate sea turtle nests. Those that are will be able to show proof.