Sea turtles are regularly found in the waters and along the beaches of Galveston, Texas. The Gulf of Mexico and its adjacent coastline serve as significant habitat for these marine reptiles, which utilize the area for foraging, migration, and nesting. Galveston’s beaches are recognized as an important nesting ground, particularly for one of the world’s most imperiled species. Multiple species are commonly observed swimming in the nearshore Gulf waters, highlighting the ecological importance of the Texas coast.
Identifying Sea Turtle Species in Galveston Waters
The Galveston area is home to several species of sea turtles, though their frequency of appearance varies. The most recognized species is the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, which is the smallest and the one most frequently found nesting on the upper Texas coast. Adult Kemp’s Ridleys typically measure about two feet in length and weigh between 60 to 100 pounds. They display an olive-green carapace and a yellowish-white plastron.
Green sea turtles are another species commonly seen foraging in Texas waters, including near Galveston. These turtles are larger than the Kemp’s Ridley, with adults reaching up to 55 inches in shell length and weighing up to 850 pounds. Their shell is usually a dark brown or olive color, and they are identifiable by a yellowish-green body with dark spots on their head and flippers.
Loggerhead sea turtles also utilize the Gulf waters off Galveston. They are characterized by their distinctly large heads and powerful jaws, which help them crush prey. Loggerheads are a medium-to-large species, with adults weighing between 170 and 500 pounds and having a shell length of up to 45 inches. Though less common than the Kemp’s Ridley, all three of these species are present.
Seasonal Presence and Nesting Activity
Sea turtle presence in Galveston is most noticeable during the nesting season, which runs annually from April 1st through July 15th. The peak nesting period for turtles on the Texas coast generally occurs during May and June. Female Kemp’s Ridleys emerge from the Gulf to crawl ashore, dig a nest cavity, and deposit an average of 100 to 110 eggs per clutch.
Galveston Island represents the northern extent of the primary nesting range for the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley. Conservation groups actively patrol the 87 miles of beach during this time, finding approximately a dozen nests each season. Nests found on the upper coast are often excavated and transported to an incubation facility due to threats like beach erosion and high tides. This process significantly increases the hatchling survival rate.
The remainder of the year sees sea turtles, including juveniles, utilizing the nearshore waters for foraging and migration. They prefer the shallow areas with sandy or muddy bottoms found in the Gulf and inshore waters.
Protecting Galveston’s Sea Turtles
All sea turtles found in Galveston are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Kemp’s Ridley is listed as critically endangered, the Green Sea Turtle as endangered, and the Loggerhead as threatened. This federal protection means that only authorized personnel are permitted to handle or interact with these animals. The public plays a significant role in their protection by adhering to specific guidelines when encountering a turtle or evidence of one.
If you observe a sea turtle on the beach, especially a nesting female, maintain a distance of at least 60 feet to avoid disturbance. Avoid flash photography and do not attempt to touch or move the turtle or its eggs.
The most important action is to immediately report the sighting to the Texas sea turtle hotline at 1-866-TURTLE-5. This hotline alerts permitted responders, such as the Sea Aggie Turtle Patrol, who secure the nest or provide care for any stranded or injured animal. Beachgoers can also help by removing all trash and gear, filling in any holes dug in the sand, and avoiding the use of white lights on the beach at night, as artificial light can disorient nesting females and emerging hatchlings.