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) — Orange Beach residents are expected to weigh in on a proposed dinner theater development at a Town Hall meeting tonight, Wednesday, as city leaders seek public input ahead of key decisions on the project. The meeting will be held at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center after the City Co
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach reports that Least Terns have entered their active nesting season along local beaches. The small shorebirds are beginning courtship and nesting behaviors that will continue through the summer. Officials say residents and visitors may notice increased activity along
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is set to bring some of the most exciting offshore fishing competition to the Alabama Gulf Coast this spring. The tournament will be held at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is the first event in a larger series of billfish tournaments spannin
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – When it comes down to it, St. Luke’s is actually 2-1 v. Orange Beach in girls soccer this year, but the rivalry goes all the way back to last year’s state tournament. The Area 1 co-champions in Class 4A split their regular-season games this spring and ended up tied for the area title. St. L
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials are continuing work on a new wetland preserve designed to improve water quality and provide public access to a restored natural area. The project focuses on stream restoration near the headwaters of the Bon Secour River. City leaders say the site is already showing environmental b
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is on the cusp of what’s expected to be a lively town hall meeting with the possibility of a Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Theater expected to take center stage. Residents looking for a preview can attend a rare morning council work session the day before at City Hall, with a review o
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Lee Charities hosted its first nonprofit appreciation event in Orange Beach, bringing together organizations from across Baldwin County. The event focused on recognizing the work of nonprofit teams and creating space for connection and encouragement. Leaders said the goal was to support th
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Get ready for an exhilarating week on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where sunshine and salt air are just the beginning! With an exciting mix of taco-filled celebrations, delightful waterfront getaways, community gatherings, and a special weekend dedicated to Moms, there’s so much to explore.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley’s new public library is close to opening its doors, and community groups and grants are helping with the effort. The city will consider a Foley Woman’s Club donation, a STEAM lab grant, and a grant from a local legislator during its upcoming council meeting.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – City staff in Gulf Shores is proposing new rules on covers for outdoor restaurant spaces in the city. The ordinance seeks to move away from temporary or removable coverings toward greater integration with the restaurant's buildings’ look.
