Beachgoers asked to avoid disturbing sea turtles’ nests
As nesting season begins for sea turtles on the beaches of Texas, wildlife officials ask beachgoers to remain vigilant when it comes to making sure they don’t disturb the creatures.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also encourages travelers to report sightings of nesting sea turtles, according to an agency news release.
“Sea turtles face numerous threats during nesting season,” Mary Kay Skoruppa, the agency’s sea turtle coordinator for Texas, said in a statement. “Early detection of nests and any emerging hatchlings allows trained professionals to respond and increase their chance of survival. By reporting your sightings promptly from March through September, you can directly contribute to the success of these nesting attempts and help recover sea turtle populations on the Texas coast.”
According to the agency, sea turtles remain vulnerable to not only predators, but also traffic from vehicles on the beach. For example, sea turtles cannot move to avoid hazards once they enter a trancelike state during nesting. Furthermore, sea turtles risk getting killed or even crushed when they blend into the sand or nest in the tire ruts of vehicles.
“Driving slowly on the beach during nesting season is crucial,” said Skoruppa. “Female sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs and hatchlings emerging from the sand are incredibly vulnerable to accidental collisions with vehicles. By driving slowly and staying alert, you can play a vital role in protecting these imperiled animals and allowing future generations to witness the wonder of sea turtles nesting on our shores.”
At 1947, officials say 40,000 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles nested on a stretch of beach near Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. However, the population of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles has dwindled over the years. In 2017, officials recorded the highest number of nests in Texas at 353. Last year, officials documented just 256, making it still one of the most endangered species of sea turtles in the world.
The turtle can weigh up to 100 pounds and stretches about 2 feet long. It typically comes ashore during the day to lay eggs in the sand.
Similar to the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the green sea turtle and loggerhead also nest along the Texas coast. They usually come ashore at night time and in smaller numbers.
Binational conservation efforts continue in the hopes of restoring the endangered species that’s described as the smallest of sea turtles. This year marks the 46th year of the binational Kemp’s ridley sea turtle conservation, which began in 1978 after multiple agencies launched a project aimed at protecting the sea turtles in the U.S. and Mexico.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asks visitors to report any sightings of sea turtles nesting by calling 866-TURTLE-5 (866-887-8535).
Additionally, they ask that the visitor wait at the site until a biologist arrives. But, if they can’t stay, officials urge them to carefully mark the site by laying pieces of beach debris, like pieces of wood, in a large circle around the nest area in order for biologists to find the nest when they arrive on scene.