The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has concluded the 2024 sea turtle nesting season, marked by notable milestones and unique challenges. Among the highlights was a rare leatherback nest producing 40 hatchlings, a first since 2020 and only the third recorded since 2009.
Seasonal Highlights: Nesting Numbers Across Species
Leatherbacks
- A Rare Event: The season began with a leatherback nest, a species rarely nesting along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Success: 40 hatchlings emerged from this rare nest, marking an exciting start to the season.
Green Turtles
- Guacamole’s Debut: Sanibel saw three green turtle nests, two laid by the same turtle, nicknamed “Guacamole” by SCCF’s team.
- Outcomes: 34 hatchlings emerged from green turtle nests this year.
Loggerheads
- Dominating the Beaches: Loggerheads, the most common species on the islands, laid 839 nests resulting in 16,722 hatchlings.
- Comparison to Past Seasons: While lower than last year’s record-breaking 1,177 nests, this count aligns with typical annual fluctuations, as individual turtles do not nest every year.
Challenges of the Season
Lower Hatchling Counts
- The total of 16,770 hatchlings was significantly lower than 2023’s 27,270 hatchlings. Factors influencing this decline included:
- Environmental Stressors: Extreme heat, excessive moisture, and changes in sand from beach nourishment projects.
- Predation: Coyotes continued to depredate nests, though the rate decreased compared to 2023.
- Storm Impacts: Tropical Storm Debby caused significant losses, washing out 269 nests, 31% of the total. Hurricane Helene resulted in seven more lost nests. Fortunately, Hurricane Milton struck after the final nests had completed incubation, sparing additional losses.
Coyote Depredation and Mitigation Efforts
- Depredation rates exceeded the 10% target but were reduced compared to previous years.
- Protection Strategies:
- Metal Cages: The most effective deterrent but labor-intensive to implement.
- Habanero Pepper: Proved as effective as rebar-anchored screens and offered a practical alternative.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to Change
SCCF remains dedicated to identifying and mitigating factors that impact nesting success. By leveraging insights from this season, including the effectiveness of protective measures, the team aims to enhance strategies for future nesting seasons.
While 2024 presented challenges, SCCF emphasizes the importance of understanding the natural variability of nesting success and continuing its commitment to research and conservation.
For more information on sea turtle conservation efforts, visit Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
