Washback watchers

What should you do if you find a small washback sea turtle?

Are you an avid beach walker who is interested in volunteering your time to look for more than just seashells along the beach?

If you are, join the Washback Watcher program! This team of permitted volunteers is trained to find and rescue young sea turtles that wash ashore due to heavy winds and surf (August through November).

Volunteers help us look for sea turtles among accumulations of seaweed along their favorite section of beach. Training takes place each June. We are no longer accepting volunteers for the 2025 washback season. 

For more information, or to be placed on the waitlist for next year's training, please contact Volusia County Environmental Management staff at 386-238-4716 or 386-238-4668.

Washback Watcher chain of custody  [PDF]

Washback Watcher survey log   [PDF] 

Washback Watcher survey log    [On-line form]

Washback volunteer zone map   [PDF] 

Seaweed Secrets Solved!  [PDF]

The Wrack Community   [PDF]