Historic Conservation Milestone: Sanibel Breaks All-Time Loggerhead Nesting Record

A historic conservation milestone has been reached along the shores of Southwest Florida. On July 29, 2026, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) announced that Sanibel Island has officially shattered its all-time single-season record for loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests.

As of July 28, biologists recorded 902 loggerhead nests on Sanibel alone, surpassing the island’s previous record high of 878 set in 2023. The island’s west end played an exceptionally strong role in this surge, accounting for 698 loggerhead nests and breaking its own regional record of 631.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we celebrate this environmental victory. Healthy sea turtle populations are the ultimate indicator of pristine beach ecosystems, proving that decades of island stewardship continue to protect the natural beauty that makes Sanibel and Captiva such world-class coastal destinations.

“Most loggerhead nesting is completed by the end of July, though a small amount of intermittent nests will continue to be laid in August and possibly September.”

— Jack Brzoza, SCCF Sea Turtle Biologist

By the Numbers: The 2026 Nesting Snapshot

Combined across both Sanibel and Captiva, sea turtle activity has reached extraordinary levels this season:

With 1,140 loggerhead nests recorded across both islands, the total count sits just 37 nests away from matching the combined loggerhead record of 1,177 set in 2023.

                SIX DECADES OF SEA TURTLE RECOVERY
  
  [ 1951 - 1971 ] ──► Severe threats from poaching, raccoons & shrimp trawlers.
  [ 1971 BENCHMARK]──► Only 70 loggerhead nests recorded across 12.5 miles of beach.
  [ 1992 TRANSITION]─► FWC transfers official state monitoring permit to SCCF.
  [ 2026 RECORD ]  ──► 902+ Loggerhead nests on Sanibel—a 1,188% increase over 1971!

Decades of Stewardship: Florida’s Longest-Running Monitoring Program

This record-setting season testifies to over six decades of dedicated community conservation. SCCF holds the first sea turtle monitoring permit ever issued in Florida.

Caretta Research and Charles LeBuff originally launched monitoring efforts in 1959 under the encouragement of J.N. “Ding” Darling. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officially transferred the permit to SCCF in 1992.

In the early decades, nesting turtles faced grave threats from egg poaching, uncontrolled raccoon predation, and entanglement in commercial shrimp nets. The recovery from just 70 nests in 1971 to more than 900 today stands as one of Florida’s greatest ecological success stories.

Late-Season Challenge: Escalating Coyote Depredation

Despite the record-breaking nest counts, SCCF biologists warn that coyote depredation remains a significant threat to sea turtle eggs and emerging hatchlings.

As of July 28, the depredation rate on Sanibel reached 19.2% (175 nests lost), nearly double the federal Loggerhead Recovery Plan’s 10% maximum management threshold. On Captiva, the loss rate escalated even further to 30.8% (74 nests lost). Combined across both islands, predators have claimed 21.6% of all 1,152 nests.

                 DEPREDATION RATES vs. MANAGEMENT TARGET
  
  [ FEDERAL TARGET ] ──► 10.0% Max Acceptable Loss Threshold
  [ SANIBEL ISLAND ] ──► 19.2% Loss (175 Nests Lost to Coyotes)
  [ CAPTIVA ISLAND ] ──► 30.8% Loss (74 Nests Lost to Coyotes)
  [ COMBINED TOTAL ] ──► 21.6% Loss Across Both Islands

Losses remain heavily concentrated along Sanibel’s far west end between Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass, where predation rates reach nearly four times the federal threshold. In response, the Sanibel City Council voted unanimously (5-0) on July 21 to fund a comprehensive coyote population and management study in direct coordination with SCCF.

How You Can Help Protect Nesting Turtles

With hatching in full swing through October, residents and beachgoers are urged to follow simple beach guidelines:

1. Turn Off Beachfront Lights: Artificial lights disorient nesting females and draw hatchlings away from the ocean.

2. Flatten Sandcastles & Fill Holes: Deep holes trap emerging hatchlings and prevent adult females from nesting safely.

3. Remove Beach Gear Daily: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents must be cleared from the sand every evening.

4. Do Not Touch Protective Cages: Metal screens installed over nests allow hatchlings to emerge while keeping coyotes out.

Sea Turtle Hotline: If you encounter an injured turtle, disoriented hatchling, or nest issue, call SCCF’s 24/7 hotline immediately at 978-728-3663.