Florida’s coastlines are important nesting grounds for several sea turtle species. They contribute to ocean health by maintaining seagrass beds, supporting coral reefs, and facilitating nutrient cycling, indicating a balanced marine environment. Their nesting activities on Florida’s beaches are a natural spectacle.
Florida’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Sea turtle nesting season in Florida spans from March 1 through October 31. During this period, female sea turtles emerge from the ocean to lay eggs on sandy beaches, predominantly at night. This extended season encompasses various species, with peak activities at different times.
Leatherback sea turtles are typically the first to nest, appearing on Florida beaches from March through July. Loggerheads, the most common nesting species in Florida, lay clutches from April through August. Green sea turtles usually nest later in the season, from June through September. While less frequent, Kemp’s ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles also occasionally nest on Florida’s shores.
When a female sea turtle comes ashore to nest, she selects a spot above the high tide line. Using her rear flippers, she digs a body pit and then an egg chamber, a deep cavity for her eggs. A single female can lay approximately 100 eggs per clutch, then covers them with sand before returning to the ocean.
A female may sometimes emerge but return to the water without laying eggs; this is known as a “false crawl.” This can occur due to disturbances like artificial lighting or human presence, or unsuitable sand conditions. Obstacles on the beach can also deter a turtle from completing her nesting attempt.
Key Nesting Locations
Sea turtle nesting occurs along much of Florida’s coastline, but certain regions are particularly significant. The state’s warm sands and undisturbed beaches provide suitable conditions for incubation. These areas have minimal light pollution and less human activity, factors that attract nesting females.
The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, in Brevard and Indian River counties, is a globally important nesting site. It hosts some of the highest densities of loggerhead nesting in the Western Hemisphere and also supports substantial green and leatherback turtle nesting. Palm Beach County is another prominent area, accounting for a significant portion of leatherback nesting activity in Florida.
High nesting activity is observed along Florida’s Atlantic coast beaches, from Brevard County to Broward County. Beaches in southwest Florida also see nesting, though often in lower densities than the Atlantic coast. The consistent availability of dark, quiet beaches in these locations contributes to their preference by nesting sea turtles.
How to Help Protect Nesting Sea Turtles
Protecting nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings is crucial and involves specific guidelines. When on Florida beaches during nesting season, maintain a respectful distance from sea turtles; remaining at least 30 to 50 feet away prevents disturbance. Any interference can cause a nesting female to abandon her efforts or disorient hatchlings.
Artificial lighting poses a substantial threat to nesting turtles and hatchlings. Bright lights from beachfront properties or devices like flashlights and cellphones can disorient them, drawing them away from the ocean. Turning off unnecessary lights, closing curtains, and using shielded, low-level amber LED lights can help mitigate this problem.
Keeping beaches clean and clear of obstacles is important. Trash, discarded beach furniture, and holes dug in the sand can entrap nesting females or prevent hatchlings from reaching the water. Properly disposing of waste, filling in holes, and removing personal items from the beach before nightfall helps ensure a safe environment for sea turtles.
If an injured sea turtle or a disturbed nest is encountered, contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is recommended. It is against the law to harm or disturb sea turtles, their nests, or their eggs. Adhering to these conservation practices contributes to the successful nesting and hatching of sea turtles in Florida.