Record Number Of Green Sea Turtle Nests

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — It was a banner year for green sea turtle nests on Florida's beaches.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission documented approximately 28,000 green sea turtle nests on 26 beaches around the state this year.

Nearly 30 years ago only 464 green turtle nests were recorded on these 26 beaches. The numbers have gradually increased over the years thanks to conservation efforts. In 2011, the count was 10,701 and in 2013, it was 25,553.

The counts represent about 68 percent of green turtle nesting statewide.

Loggerhead sea turtles, which are the most prevalent sea turtle species on Florida's shores, accounted for 52,647 nests on index beaches this year.

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