About Us

MISSION

Through public education and cooperation, our mission is assure a suitable habitat for sea turtles, people, and the ecosystem of the islands and their surrounding waters.

OUR PROGRAMS

Nest Monitoring

Stranding and Salvage

Education

Community Outreach & Conservation
 

VOLUNTEERING

Residents and snowbirds volunteer with us during the nesting season and beyond to make the difference in the lives of St. Pete's sea turtles and other marine species.
 

Sea Turtle Trackers (STT) Founder/President/Principle Permit holder Bruno Falkenstein has been monitoring and helping sea turtles for almost 40 years as a labor of love and a way to give back. He receives no money for doing this. For many years, he did it all on his own. In the past few years, he's been working with some other volunteers. In 2013 we incorporated as a non-profit. Note only those who are listed on a marine turtle permit  – issued by the Florida Wildlife Commission – are allowed to work with the turtles. The FWC has strict guidelines, procedures and reporting requirements. Everyone in our organization is a volunteer, even Bruno and our "staff" (those named on the permit). Our goal is to mitigate the negative impacts of intensive human use of sea turtle habitat with as little intervention as possible, providing a natural experience for the reproduction of turtles on our beaches. Turtle Joe Widlansky works closely with Bruno and is on St Pete beach every morning during turtle season. Stop by and say hello!