Hundreds of sea turtle nests relocated for Anna Maria Island beach renourishment

Nearly 270 nests relocated

ANNA MARIA — Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers have been working for months to move sea turtle nests that are in the beach replenishment area on Anna Maria Island. The sand pumping project starts this week.

AMITW director Suzi Fox says the small group has been moving four to 15 nests a day since April. They are relocated to a protected area designated by Florida Fish and Wildlife.

"We are permitted to do so with Florida Fish and Wildlife and nests are just starting to hatch, so these guys would’ve had to stop pumping," said Fox.