The Inwater Research Group shared a photo of a loggerhead sea turtle that had been struck by a vessel. The sea turtle was taken to the Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno beach where a team has been administering treatment and monitoring health until it makes a full recovery. 9/2/25 @ 9:30 a.m. - For this week's Turtle Talk Tuesday, we wanted to take a minute to discuss boat strikes and the significant threats to sea turtles and other marine animals. The Inwater Research Group recently shared the below photo after encountering two loggerhead sea turtles that had been struck by boats.
According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, sea turtles have poor hearing and vision when out of the water, making them vulnerable to vessel strikes when rising to the surface to breathe, bask in the sun, or feed in shallow areas. Many sea turtles are injured or killed by blunt-force trauma caused by boat impacts or propellers.
Boaters can reduce risks by following safe boating practices.
By working together and practicing safe boating habits, we can greatly reduce the number of preventable injuries to these incredible creatures. Every small action—whether it’s slowing down, staying alert, or reporting an accident—helps protect sea turtles and ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy their presence in our waters. Thank you for doing your part to keep our oceans safe.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, sea turtles have poor hearing and vision when out of the water, making them vulnerable to vessel strikes when rising to the surface to breathe, bask in the sun, or feed in shallow areas. Many sea turtles are injured or killed by blunt-force trauma caused by boat impacts or propellers.
Boaters can reduce risks by following safe boating practices.
- Slow down in designated turtle zones and keep an eye out for surfacing turtles, particularly in seagrass beds and coral reefs where sea turtles like to feed
- Use propeller guards to reduce changes of fatal strikes
- Stay alert. Be aware of changes in the surface of the water. For example, swirls can indicate a loggerhead or manatee is nearby.
- Take extra caution during summer months as sea turtles are extremely active in waters during nesting season
- Call for help. Boaters who hit a sea turtle or manatee should call the FWC at 1-888-404-3922. Boaters are not charged if the collision was an accident and they are operating the boat responsibly.
By working together and practicing safe boating habits, we can greatly reduce the number of preventable injuries to these incredible creatures. Every small action—whether it’s slowing down, staying alert, or reporting an accident—helps protect sea turtles and ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy their presence in our waters. Thank you for doing your part to keep our oceans safe.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer
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