ABOUT US

The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association (BGSTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of sea turtles and their habitat along the nesting beaches of Florida’s Gasparilla Island. Each nesting season, authorized turtle patrollers perform daily beach surveys in strict accordance with our marine turtle permit, providing citizen support for the scientific community by gathering data and documenting the nesting activity of endangered sea turtles. Throughout the year, the BGSTA also promotes awareness of sea turtles through educational programs within the community, including school presentations and distribution of information about proper beach and lighting protocols during nesting season. Whenever necessary, trained BGSTA personnel assist the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) with sea turtle strandings and rescue efforts on the island. All the work of the BGSTA is performed by dedicated volunteers united by their passion for providing a brighter future for these endangered species.