Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center
The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center (NBSTCC) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of threatened and endangered sea turtles through education, research, and community engagement. Founded in 2013 through grassroots efforts, it focuses on mitigating threats to marine life, including habitat destruction, marine debris, and human activity impacts[1][2][4].

Mission and initiatives

The organization’s mission centers on "giving sea turtles more tomorrows" by combining public education, conservation programs, and partnerships with research institutions[4]. Key initiatives include:

• Beach cleanups: Annual events like "Trash Bash" engage volunteers to remove debris from coastal habitats, addressing threats such as entanglement and pollution[4][5].
• Rescue operations: A team of 12 volunteers provides 24/7 response to stranded or injured sea turtles, offering temporary care before transferring them to rehabilitation facilities[5].
• Educational exhibits: Displays on marine ecosystems, diamondback terrapins, lionfish, and historical sea turtle hunting practices aim to raise public awareness[5].

Facilities and resident turtles

The center houses Sweet Pea, a green sea turtle rescued with severe injuries from fishing gear entanglement and a boat strike. Unable to survive in the wild due to amputated flippers and shell damage, she resides in a specialized pool and receives a tailored diet[5]. The facility also maintains habitats for rescued exotic tortoises surrendered by former pet owners[5].

An expansion funded by an IMPACT 100 grant will add a rehabilitation area with glass partitions, enabling public viewing without direct contact[5].

Outreach and operations

Open Tuesday–Saturday, the center offers guided tours and school programs, emphasizing marine conservation’s global significance[4][5]. Over 40 volunteers support daily operations, including beach patrols during nesting seasons and community workshops[5].

Despite lacking long-term rehabilitation capabilities, the NBSTCC collaborates with regional partners to advance sea turtle research and policy advocacy[5].