Sea turtles are marine reptiles that have navigated the world’s oceans for millions of years. Their life cycle begins on sandy beaches where females lay their eggs. Their offspring embark on a transition from land to ocean.
Sea Turtle Hatchlings
Baby sea turtles are known as “hatchlings” because they have just emerged from their eggs. Hatchlings are miniature versions of adult sea turtles, measuring between 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) long. They possess distinct flippers and a protective shell. Hatchlings use a temporary egg tooth, called a “caruncle,” to help them break out of their leathery eggshells.
The Hatchling’s Race to the Sea
After hatching, young turtles may take several days (3 to 7) to dig their way to the surface. They emerge from the nest at night, reducing exposure to daytime predators and harsh temperatures. Emergence is a synchronized effort, with hatchlings working together. Once on the surface, they instinctively orient themselves towards the brightest horizon, the open ocean reflecting moonlight and starlight.
This journey across the beach is an energy-intensive “swim frenzy,” lasting 24 to 48 hours after they enter the water. During this trip, hatchlings face numerous challenges. Predators like ghost crabs, birds, raccoons, and foxes hunt them on the sand. In the water, they become prey for fish and sharks. Hatchlings rely on residual energy from their yolk sac to fuel this initial dash and swimming frenzy, helping them quickly reach deeper, safer waters.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Beyond the dash to the sea, sea turtle hatchlings encounter numerous human-induced threats. Artificial lighting from coastal developments disorients hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the ocean towards land. There, they face dehydration, exhaustion, and increased predation. Human activity on beaches, such as vehicular traffic and beach furniture, can create obstacles or harm hatchlings. Marine pollution, including plastic debris, also affects hatchlings, as they can mistake it for food and ingest it.
Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these threats to improve hatchling survival. Protecting nesting sites from human disturbance and development is a key action. Regulations control artificial light on beaches during nesting seasons, often requiring shielded, low-intensity, or amber LED lights less disruptive to turtles. Volunteer groups assist disoriented hatchlings or ensure clear paths to the sea. These measures are important because only an estimated 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood under natural conditions.