To conserve the ecosystem of Anna Maria Island and its’ surrounding waters for people, sea turtles, and shorebirds in partnership with the island community.

Since 1983, Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring have coordinated conservation efforts for nine miles of Manatee County shoreline on Anna Maria Island. Patrollers – primarily volunteers – document all sea turtle and shorebird activity on the island. All nests are protected and monitored, and data are collected to be provided to Manatee County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

We coordinate with community, county, state, and federal agencies and organizations to conserve sea turtles and shorebirds. We provide community outreach to educate the public and visitors about how they can help protect sea turtles, shorebirds, and their nests.

Whether humans respect other species enough to protect sea turtles, shorebirds, and their essential habitats will depend on the understanding developed by marine conservation biologists.

PO Box 1114, Holmes Beach, Florida 34218