New signage aimed at protecting sea turtles from boat strikes has been installed at three boat ramps in Okaloosa County as part of a coordinated awareness campaign reaching boaters before they hit the water.
- The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team installed signs at Marler Park, Liza Jackson Park and Joe’s Bayou in partnership with the City of Fort Walton Beach, the City of Destin and Okaloosa County. Okaloosa County Facility and Parks Maintenance staff assisted with installation at each boat ramp.
“This is the perfect time to start a campaign like this,” said Jessica Valek, Natural Resources Manager for Destin-Fort Walton Beach. “We are getting into our busy season as well as our sea turtle nesting season, meaning we will be seeing a lot more sea turtles active in our local waterways. The more people we can educate about safe boating, the better. This gives us hope for the safety of our sea turtles.”
The signage is part of the Boaters for Turtles campaign, which encourages boaters to go as slow as safely possible in voluntary sea turtle protection zones. The signs include QR-linked resources directing boaters to local turtle-zone maps and safety guidance.
According to a 2025 study led by Florida State University researchers, 1 in 4 sea turtles found dead or injured in Florida were hit by a boat, and 98% of those hit do not survive. Sea turtles are often difficult to see from the surface, with most being struck just below the waterline. Risk is highest in high-traffic areas such as passes and inlets, where turtle habitat overlaps with recreational boating activity.
- Research examining those 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.
Beginning in May, boaters across Florida will see similar signage 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.
“From our surveys of over 500 boaters, we were reminded of how much boaters care,” said Dr. Katie Abrams, Professor of Science Communication at Colorado State University. “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.”
