The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that sea turtle hatchling counts on Sanibel and Captiva Islands were the lowest recorded since 2016. This is despite a record-breaking season for the total number of loggerhead nests laid.
SCCF Coastal Wildlife Director and Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Kelly Sloan said that while the impressive nest numbers are encouraging, they only tell half the story. The low hatchling counts are due in part to storms, predation, and the hot and dry summer.
Hatch success on Captiva was alarmingly low, with only about 10% of hatchlings emerging from their nests. Sanibel’s hatch success was slightly higher at 32%.
The SCCF is working hard to protect sea turtles and their nests, but they need the public’s help. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Keep beaches dark and quiet at night. Sea turtle hatchlings are guided to the ocean by moonlight, so bright lights can confuse them and lead them astray.
- Fill in any holes on the beach. Hatchlings can fall into these holes and become trapped.
- Don’t disturb sea turtle nests. If you see a nest, mark it off with a perimeter and contact the SCCF immediately.
- Reduce your use of plastics. Plastic pollution can harm sea turtles in a variety of ways.
By following these tips, you can help to protect sea turtles and ensure that future generations can enjoy these amazing creatures.
