Call it a domino effect. Scientists say a healthy marine ecosystem is aided heavily by a healthy population of sea turtles and for that reason the Sea Turtle Conservancy has embarked on an education campaign to make the nesting process more successful. Rick Herren, a conservation biologist with the Gainesville-based Sea Turtle Conservancy, told members of the Barrier Islands Government Council July 29 that the organization hopes to “mitigate the human factor.”This includes encouraging cities and counties to pass “Leave No Trace” laws, and getting homeowners along the beaches to use more turtle-friendly lighting during nesting season.
