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Established in honor of the legendary researcher Archie Carr, World Sea Turtle Day aims to raise awareness about sea turtles and the challenges they face. It’s a day to recognize those dedicated to protecting these incredible creatures, and the University of Florida proudly stands as home to many of the world’s brightest sea turtle researchers.

World Sea Turtle Day, established in 2000, commemorates the remarkable contributions of Archie Carr, an influential figure in the history of sea turtle research and conservation. Carr dedicated his entire career to UF, where he became the college’s first PhD in zoology and later served as a professor in that same department. June 16th, Carr’s birthday and the chosen date for this global celebration, stands as a tribute to the indelible impact Carr made on sea turtle research and conservation. His pioneering work paved the way for a deeper understanding of the aquatic animals, shaping conservation efforts for generations to come.

Karen Bjorndal, the director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, fondly recalls her time as Carr’s mentee. “I consider myself blessed to have had Archie Carr as a mentor for my PhD,” she said. “He was an amazing man, and an excellent communicator.”

While Carr’s research elevated him to stardom in his field, his exceptional writing propelled him to global fame. His words captivated a worldwide audience, regardless of their technical knowledge about sea turtles. His two most renowned books, The Windward Road and So Excellent a Fishe, have stood the test of time, undergoing numerous re-releases throughout the decades. Now, they are easily accessible to all through platforms like Amazon.

Carr’s words paint vivid images, enabling readers to witness firsthand the wonders he experienced during his explorations. Through his writing, Carr continues to inspire both enthusiasts and novices alike to join him on a mission to protect sea turtles. “Carr did such an amazing job of capturing the magic of wild areas, and as you read his books, you can see exactly what he saw while exploring and researching,” said Bjorndal.

Though Carr passed away in 1987, his enduring legacy thrives at the Archie Carr Center, a world-renowned research center dedicated to sea turtles. Anchored by a passionate team of researchers, including 12 faculty members and 20-30 graduate students, the center remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing understanding and conservation efforts.

Currently, their most significant undertaking revolves around the intricate relationship between sea turtles and seagrass, a crucial source of food for these majestic creatures. Successful conservation projects have led to the resurgence of sea turtles in seagrass beds. Unfortunately, their return has coincided with the decline of seagrass meadows. Regrettably, locals and anglers in these areas have mistakenly attributed blame to the turtles, overlooking the broader challenges facing these ecosystems. The center aims to dispel misconceptions and shed light on the complexities of the ecosystem’s delicate balance.

“There are so many other threats to seagrass, and sea turtles are just a speck on the horizon of all of the issues they face,” Bjorndal said. “Sadly, the turtles are such a visible part that they get the blame.”

The center also remains deeply concerned with how humans and turtles interact in urban beach settings. As coastal areas undergo urbanization and commercialization, manmade objects and structures can interfere with turtle breeding and hatching. The center aims to identify innovative solutions to promote a harmonious existence between turtles and coastal communities.

“None of this would be possible without the work of our dedicated staff and especially our grad students,” Bjorndal said. “Their cutting-edge research advances our ability to understand and protect sea turtles. They are the scientists, biologists, and conservationists that will continue to protect these turtles in the coming years.”

Join the Archie Carr Center at the Florida Museum of Natural History this weekend for a World Sea Turtle Day event. On Saturday, June 17, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., you can participate in a scavenger hunt and virtual reality experience, all while supporting the cause of sea turtle conservation and raising awareness about the Archie Carr Center’s efforts.

Learn more about the Archie Carr Center’s initiatives here.