First Sea Turtle Nest in Alabama for the 2020 Season
R. Ken Cooper • May 14, 2020
The day of the first sea turtle nest of 2020 season happened on May 14th
Photo of the May 14th Sea Turtle nesting tracks by Share the Beach Volunteers
On the morning of May 14th the first sea turtle nest of the 2020 season was discovered on West Beach in Gulf Shores by the West Beach Sea Turtle Volunteers of Share the Beach - Alabama's Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
It takes between 55 and 70 days for a sea turtle nest to hatch once it's been laid. The earliest this nest would hatch would be July 8th and the latest it would hatch would be July 23rd.
It's estimated that about 7,500 sea turtles make it to the gulf each year from the Alabama Gulf Coast.
According to NOAA, " Sea turtles are ancient species, having been around since the time of the dinosaurs — about 110 million years."
"All six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act. They are the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley."
"All six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters are protected by the Endangered Species Act. They are the green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley."
By far, the most common sea turtle found on Alabama Beach are loggerheads. We normally see a couple of Kemp's Ridley and rarely see Green Sea Turtles.
Also according to NOAA, "It takes 20-30 years for a sea turtle to reach sexual maturity. When a female is ready to lay eggs, she returns to the nesting beach where she was born, even if she has not been there for 30 years! Some females nest every year until the age of 80."
"Loggerheads nest from April to September and generally build 3-5 nests per season, totaling 35 pounds of eggs."
From the Alabama Sea Turtles website:
"During the 2019 nesting season, 114 nests were documented on Alabama beaches. One of the 114 total nests was laid by a green turtle on June 22 on Orange Beach, with the remaining 113 nests those of loggerhead sea turtles.
"During the 2019 nesting season, 114 nests were documented on Alabama beaches. One of the 114 total nests was laid by a green turtle on June 22 on Orange Beach, with the remaining 113 nests those of loggerhead sea turtles.
The 2019 nesting season represents a 36.6% increase in recorded annual nests from 2018, and 51.5% fewer nests than the maximum number of nests recorded in Alabama (n=235 in 2016).
An estimated 7,037 eggs were laid on our beaches in 2019, with an average clutch size of 103.6 eggs per nest. Approximately 3,597 hatchlings successfully made it to the water with an overall hatching success of 51% for nests on Alabama beaches. This hatching success rate includes the impacts of both TS Barry and high levels of predation on the westernmost end of Dauphin Island. Average incubation period was 56 days for this season.
Tropical Storm Barry impacted Alabama beaches on 11-14 July. Collectively, 66 nests (57.9%) were negatively impacted by the storm surge and/or the rise in groundwater associated with this storm system.
We are continuing to work towards mitigating/reducing the negative impacts of artificial lighting on sea turtles. However, in 2019, 17 adult female sea turtles and hatchlings from 7 nests were disoriented due to artificial lighting."
More photos below from the May 14th Sea Turtle nesting on West Beach in Gulf Shores.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – For a better part of the 2026 high school soccer season, the Orange Beach Lady Makos soccer team was ranked as the state’s No. 1 in Class 4A. But just as the state playoffs begin, the Lady Makos find themselves at No. 2 in the rankings behind area rival St. Luke’s at No. 1.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving forward with plans to improve signage at one of its busiest intersections. City officials say the changes will help drivers navigate the area more easily and improve the site's overall appearance. The project focuses on the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 in downtown Foley.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Shorebirds and coastal conservation will take center stage when the 3rd Annual Nest Fest returns to Orange Beach Waterfront Park. The community event is designed for families and nature lovers of all ages. Organizers say the afternoon will combine fun activities with easy ways to learn...
NAS Pensacola, Fla. — (OBA) — The Blue Angels are marking a major milestone today as the U.S. Navy’s legendary flight demonstration team celebrates 80 years of service and aviation excellence. Formed to showcase the skill and professionalism of naval aviators, the team continues to fly with the same purpose: inspiring
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park just announced that reservations are now open for its new RV resort, offering travelers the chance to secure a spot at the highly anticipated destination. The resort features spacious sites and modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Officials say the setting blends
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Interstate Mullet Toss officially begins today on the white sands of Perdido Key. This annual gathering is widely known as the Gulf Coast’s greatest beach party. Thousands of visitors are traveling to the state line to watch the weekend festival. The iconic event features participants
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Works Department and the Sanitation and Engineering Department will briefly close their offices as staff relocate to new locations. This closure will last for one day while preparations are completed. City officials have stated that services will continue during the transition.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Police Department is partnering with Walmart in Orange Beach for a community prescription drug take-back event. The collection is meant to give the public a place to dispose of unused prescription drugs. Organizers are asking residents to prepare medications before arriving
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced changes to the 2026 red snapper season that will allow more consistent access for anglers. The update applies to both Alabama state waters and federal waters for certain fishermen. Officials said the changes are part...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Finding leaders on your athletic team is a must for a successful season. Orange Beach Baseball Coach Josh Hoyle says he believes those leaders have helped his Makos to the state playoffs and a first-round three-game series. State baseball playoffs in Class 1A-6A begin April 24-25 in the rou
