The Coastal Cleanup Corporation (CCC) is restoring critical sea turtle nesting habitat on Old Rhodes, Elliott, and Sands Keys in Biscayne Bay National Park, Florida, by removing marine debris found on these beaches.  By removing this debris, the CCC aims to protect and maintain loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and green sea turtle (Cheloniamydas) nesting habitat (coastal dunes) and sea turtle foraging grounds (seagrass beds) within Biscayne National Park.  The CCC is recruiting, training, and directing volunteers from the Biscayne National Park Sea Turtle Monitoring Program, local fishing clubs, and local colleges and universities to remove marine debris from approximately 3.5 miles shoreline on these Keys.

Removing marine debris from the barrier islands and the surrounding seagrass beds would not only increase marine turtle nesting frequency, but would also reduce the chance of entanglement or ingestion by sea turtles in the area.  Over the course of the two years, 200 volunteers will remove over 5 tons of marine debris from the three barrier islands.  The project leaders are also participating in public events in order to share project goals, achievements, and sea turtle science with local citizens.  Moreover, sea turtle nesting data will be analyzed to identify if debris removal efforts helped increase sea turtle nesting success.

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