“Out here, there’s time.” Florida Gulf Coast campaign asks boaters to “go slow for those below”
1 in 4 sea turtles found dead or injured in Florida were hit by a boat, and 98% of those hit do not survive, according to a 2025 study led by Florida State University researchers.
Sea turtles are often difficult —if not impossible— to see from the surface. With most sea turtles being hit just below the waterline. Risk is highest in high-traffic areas such as passes and inlets, where important turtle habitat overlaps with recreational activity.
Research examining these overlaps informed the designation of voluntary sea turtle protection zones, “The idea behind identifying these areas was to inform targeted interventions and future studies in specific locations to maximize conservation impact,” said Dr. Mariana Fuentes, a marine conservation biologist at Florida State University.
This season, institutions and partners across Florida are expanding a coordinated public awareness campaign to reduce the number of sea turtles hit by boats. The campaign encourages boaters to go as slow as safely possible in voluntary sea turtle protection zones, and provides signage at boat ramps, flyers, and an online hub with guidance for boaters.
“From our surveys of over 500 boaters, we were reminded of how much boaters care. Across Destin, St. Pete, and Sarasota, most said they would slow down where turtles are at risk. One thing they need is signs at the ramp to remind them. This campaign meets people where that goodwill already exists,” said Dr. Katie Abrams, Professor of Science Communication at Colorado State University.
Beginning this month, boaters will see signage with QR-linked resources at participating launch points, along with flyers and outreach from partner organizations. Participating boat rental companies will also share campaign information with customers to raise awareness among visitors before they head out on the water.
Learn more and access local turtle-zone maps: BoatersForTurtles.org
Media kit/resources: Boaters for Turtles Resources
This work is part of the Assessing Risk and Conducting Public Outreach to Reduce Vessel Strikes on Sea Turtles along Florida’s Gulf Coast project, funded by the Florida Trustee Implementation Group under the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment. More information about Deepwater Horizon projects in the Florida Restoration Area is available from NOAA’s Gulf Spill Restoration program.
