Historic Nesting Levels: Sanibel Loggerhead Count Continues to Climb

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has confirmed that Sanibel Island’s 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially one for the record books. As of August 12, 2026, the island has recorded 922 loggerhead nests, shattering the previous single-season record of 878 set in 2023.

While this influx of activity is a triumphant testament to decades of island-wide conservation efforts, the season also presents a significant challenge: rising coyote depredation.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we view healthy wildlife populations as the heartbeat of our island ecosystem. While we celebrate these record numbers, we also underscore the importance of community vigilance in protecting these nests as they reach the critical hatching phase.

2026 Season Snapshot: The Numbers

Combined, Sanibel and Captiva are nearing a new all-time high for regional loggerhead nesting, currently sitting just 14 nests away from the 2023 combined record of 1,177.

Location	Loggerhead Nests	Green Turtle Nests	Total Nests
Sanibel Island	922 (Record High)	13	935
Captiva Island	241	2	243
Combined Total	1,163	15	1,178

West End Surge: Sanibel’s west end (West and Far West zones) has also set a new high-water mark, recording 709 loggerhead nests compared to the previous record of 631.

The Depredation Challenge: Escalating Threats

Despite the high nest counts, predation pressure has intensified as the season progresses. The SCCF reports that approximately one in four nests across both islands is currently being lost to coyotes.

                    DEPREDATION RATES vs. FEDERAL THRESHOLD
  
  [ FEDERAL TARGET ] ──► 10.0% Max Management Threshold
  [ SANIBEL RATE ]   ──► 22.6% (211 Nests Lost)
  [ CAPTIVA RATE ]   ──► 33.7% (82 Nests Lost)
  [ COMBINED TOTAL ] ──► 24.9% Average Depredation Rate

Critical Zone Alert: The Far West zone (between Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass) remains the most vulnerable area on the island. The depredation rate in this specific zone has climbed above 42%—more than four times the recovery plan’s recommended management threshold.

“Final totals and the true scale of this season’s impacts will not be clear until nesting wraps up, the last remaining nests either hatch or experience predation or washouts, and total emerged hatchling counts are finalized.”

— SCCF Sea Turtle Team

How You Can Help: Protect the Hatchlings

As we move into the final weeks of the nesting season, residents and visitors play a vital role in ensuring these record numbers successfully result in viable hatchlings reaching the Gulf.

Lights Out: Use turtle-friendly, low-wattage lighting. Beachfront artificial light disorients hatchlings, drawing them away from the water. View Lighting Guidelines.
Clear the Beach: Remove all chairs, tents, toys, and sports gear from the sand nightly.
Fill In Holes: Flatten sandcastles and fill deep holes to prevent hatchlings from becoming trapped.
Respect the Barriers: Do not touch or move the metal protective nest screens. They are designed to keep predators out while allowing hatchlings to emerge safely.
Report Issues: See an injured turtle or a disturbed nest? Call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663 (978-SAVE-ONE).