Sea Turtle Nesting Season Starts Early in Florida, Georgia

Sea turtle nesting season has begun along the southeastern U.S. coast, with early nests reported in both Volusia County, Florida, and Jekyll Island, Georgia, marking particularly early starts for the season. In Volusia County, leatherback turtles set records by nesting prior to the official season, raising hopes for a robust year, while loggerhead turtles have begun nesting on Jekyll Island, with experts predicting a potentially strong but stable season based on recent trends. Local authorities and environmental organizations are actively educating residents and visitors on measures to protect nests and hatchlings, such as minimizing artificial light, flattening sandcastles, and clearing beach debris. Volunteers and wildlife crews patrol beaches daily to mark nests and monitor turtle activity, underscoring community involvement in conservation efforts. While loggerhead nesting numbers have fluctuated in Georgia, the long-term trend remains positive, though populations are expected to stabilize rather than surge in coming years. Public participation in monitoring and protecting nests is encouraged, with resources available for learning more about sea turtle conservation.