Thousands of sea turtles endured their traditional arduous journey from the ocean to U.S. beaches to lay eggs over the last few months, a ritual that has lasted for millions of years. Despite growing worries about the impact of climate change, Florida and other areas have reported record-breaking numbers of sea turtle nests. According to initial state data, Florida has observed over 133,840 loggerhead turtle nests, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. An equally impressive record was also set for green turtles, with estimates of at least 76,500 nests well above the previous high set in 2017.
High numbers of sea turtle nests have also been recorded in South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia, prompting the Vice President of Research at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, Justin Perrault, to remark that the figures are quite remarkable this year.
Furthermore, there are seven species of sea turtles, all of which are considered either endangered or threatened. Summer nights bring about their arrival on the beaches, where they dig pits in the sand, lay dozens of eggs, bury them, and return to the ocean. Florida beaches, specifically, serve as vital hatcheries for loggerheads. Only about one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood, facing numerous natural threats such as predators, extreme weather events, and other disruptions.
Climate change adds to the challenges, with rising sea levels and warming temperatures impacting critical factors such as sand temperature, which plays a vital role in determining the sex of sea turtles. A recent study led by Florida State University professor Mariana Fuentes highlighted the necessity for sea turtles to adjust their nesting time to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
The surge in the number of turtle nests observed this year, while seemingly positive, conceals a potential grim future for the animals, as obstacles such as predation, environmental changes, and human presence continue to pose a threat to their survival.
