Did you know that 40% of the world’s loggerhead sea turtles are hatched on Florida’s east coast? Moreover, 90% of the loggerheads in US waters share that same distinction. Here in Florida, the nesting season is in full swing.
The natural world is a tough place to survive, and for sea turtles, this is certainly the case.
In fact, only one in a thousand hatchlings makes it to maturity, which is 25 years of age. By this time, the prospective Moms are 150lbs. in weight or more. It is no small feat to crawl across the sand to dig the nest, lay up to 100 eggs, and then backfill the nest with their flippers before crawling back across the beach and swimming out to sea.
The baby turtles are subject to predation from the time that they hatch.
Hatchlings are on the menu for crabs, birds, raccoons, foxes, and even dogs on the beach. Once they hit the water, sharks and other fish species are on the hunt, as well as birds from above. Other existential threats include boat strikes, entanglement, and consumption of marine debris, especially plastics, fisheries bycatch, coastal development, and stronger storms driven by climate change.
Sea turtles need all the help that they can get, and for that reason, we have become volunteers for the local sea turtle beach patrol.
I have included several photos from my recent turtle patrol this week, where I found my first nest. I have included a photo of a “false crawl,” which occurs when a Mom comes up on the beach, takes a look around, and decides that something is not to her liking, resulting in her turning around and returning to the sea.
I shall update readers as the nesting season progresses. Eggs laid now have approximately 60 days before they hatch. Make sure to follow me on Facebook & Instagram media so you will be notified when I give updates!