The Sea Turtle Preservation Society (STPS) was established to educate the public about marine turtles. It is a not-for profit organization run by volunteers that relies on public donations and memberships for its support. Active volunteers are permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Bureau of Imperiled Species, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with endangered and threatened sea turtles.

Each year through public presentations, event exhibits, and turtle watches they educate thousands of people. Their goals include maintaining the current sea turtle populations and preventing a potentially irreversible decline in that population. This is accomplished through providing the public with information about the hazards of nighttime beach activities, habitat destruction, beach lighting, beach debris and marine pollution.

The Stranding and Salvage Network plays an important role in accomplishing these goals. This active group of volunteers respond to calls for sick, injured or dead sea turtles and are on call 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. They determine the disposition of the sea turtle, rescue hatchlings; post-hatchlings and adult seat turtles, provide transportation to a rehabilitation facility and release them after they have been rehabilitated. Important data is also collected for the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network in Florida. This team is one of a few organizations in Florida that rescues new hatchlings and washbacks, saving over 10,000 in 2003.

  In Brevard County the Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season peaks in June and July. The specially trained STPS volunteers lead groups to observe nesting Loggerhead Sea turtles several nights a week during peak season.
 

For more information about tours or to volunteer contact The Sea Turtle Preservation Society located at 111 South Miramar Avenue Indialantic. The office hours are 11am – 5pm, Monday through Saturday. 321-676-1701. www.seaturtlespacecoast.org .