Record-Breaking Year for Turtle Nesting

The Coastal Wildlife Club is excited to report that this is a record-breaking year for turtle nesting in their coverage area. As of August 4th, there have been 5,200 loggerhead nests, 513 green nests, and one Kemp’s ridley nest. Nesting has slacked off and the focus now is on hatching and nest evaluations. Nest evaluations provide data about hatching success rates to the state.
Your help is essential at this stage of the season. Please remove all belongings, chairs, and other items from the beach when you leave for the day. They can trap hatchlings making their way to the Gulf. Please fill in all holes as holes can trap the hatchlings and cause them to use vital energy stores that are necessary for them to exit the beach and make their two-to-three day journey to relative safety in the offshore sargassum patches. Being caught in holes make them an easy target for birds and other predators. Please turn off outdoor lights and shut your blinds so hatchlings aren’t confused by the light distraction and head away from the Gulf. Any artificial light on the beach, including red light, can cause sea turtles to disorient. If you use a red light, use it sparingly, and shield it with your hand. Please clean up all litter and food debris as this can attract predators that will dig up turtle nests to eat the eggs and hatchlings.
Watching a baby turtle make its way to the Gulf is fascinating to observe. You may ward off circling birds but do not touch or assist the babies as they make their way to the water’s edge. Their flippers need the workout to strengthen them for swimming.
Hatchlings face a perilous trek to the water after emerging from their nest. Birds hover overhead looking for a chance at a handy snack. Fish seek them out, too. Only one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood! By following the tips listed above, you can help increase a baby turtle’s chances of survival. For questions and more information, visit the Coastal Wildlife Club at coastalwildlifeclub.org or email [email protected].