Charity Spotlight: NSB Turtle Trackers
January 13, 2026 | author: Erika Carruth
As a photographer whose lens is often found on the ocean’s edge, I have a profound appreciation for the sea and its power—it is a primary source of life on Earth. Its rhythms, biodiversity, and sheer magnitude are not only visually arresting but ecologically indispensable. Through Carruth Photo, I have aimed to channel this respect for the ocean into tangible support for organizations that protect our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. One such group is the New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers, a nonprofit whose work exemplifies the intersection of environmental stewardship and community action.
From May through October, the NSB Turtle Trackers rise with the sun to patrol over 10 miles of shoreline between Ponce Inlet and Canaveral National Seashore. Their mission is precise and purposeful: to identify sea turtle tracks, determine nesting activity, and safeguard the fragile nests from human interference and natural threats. Under the guidance of biologists from Ecological Associates Inc., volunteers are trained to distinguish between species (Loggerhead, Green, and Leatherback) and to recognize signs of successful nesting versus “false crawls,” where turtles retreat without laying eggs.
This daily ritual is more than a scientific endeavor; it is a testament to the power of collective vigilance. Each nest represents a microcosm of marine health; sea turtles, as keystone species, regulate seagrass beds and contribute to nutrient cycling, thereby sustaining the broader oceanic web. Their survival is inextricably linked to our survival.
Carruth Photo recently adopted one of the nests as a modest but meaningful gesture that supports the Turtle Trackers’ conservation efforts. The adoption process is refreshingly accessible, offering individuals and businesses a low-cost avenue to contribute directly to marine preservation. For those inclined toward more immersive involvement, NSB Turtle Trackers also offer volunteer opportunities ranging from beach surveys and cleanups to educational outreach.
The initiative resonates with me on multiple levels, not only due to my professional focus on nature and oceanic imagery but also due to personal history. New Smyrna Beach was part of my childhood for a brief yet formative period, and its sands still evoke a sense of wonder and solitude. To return now, with purpose and camera in hand, feels a bit like a full-circle moment—an alignment of artistry, advocacy, and connection.
I urge readers to explore their own communities or places of personal significance for nonprofits conducting vital work. Whether your passion lies in marine biology, forest restoration, or social equity, there are a myriad of organizations that have missions aligned with your values. Supporting them through donations, volunteerism, or simply amplifying their message, can transform passive admiration into active guardianship.
The ocean cannot advocate for itself, nor can the creatures that make it home. But we, through our talents and vocations, can become their voice. Photography and writing are my mediums; yours may be engineering, teaching, or organizing. Whatever your skill set, it holds the potential to serve a greater ecological and humanitarian good.
To learn more about NSB Turtle Trackers and how you can participate in sea turtle conservation, visit NSB Turtle Trackers.
Sources:
NSB Turtle Trackers – New Smyrna Beach Marine Turtle Conservancy
All About Sea Turtles in New Smyrna Beach
Ecological Associates – NSB Turtle Trackers
