Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Alabama's Gulf Coast is experiencing a strong sea turtle nesting season in 2026. Share the Beach, the state's sea turtle conservation program, has confirmed 89 nests along the shoreline so far this year. The program patrols all 47 miles of Alabama's Gulf Coast daily, searching for signs of nesting activity. Three species of sea turtles have been recorded nesting on Alabama beaches this season.

As of August 2026, Share the Beach has documented 85 loggerhead nests, two Kemp's ridley nests, and two green turtle nests along Alabama's shore. Loggerhead sea turtles account for the vast majority of nests on Alabama beaches each nesting season. The program's work is funded in part by Deepwater Horizon natural resource damage settlement funds, provided by the Alabama Trustee Implementation Group.

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Share the Beach is asking beachgoers to help protect nesting turtles and their hatchlings this season. The program urges visitors and residents to keep beaches clean, flat, and dark each night. Beachfront lights should be turned off or shielded after dark, as artificial light can confuse nesting females and disrupt hatchlings' attempts to reach the Gulf.

Visitors and residents are also asked to fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach each evening. All trash, chairs, tents, and beach gear should be removed from the sand at the end of each day. These steps help nesting turtles come ashore safely and give hatchlings a clear path to the water.

Anyone who wants to support sea turtle conservation can adopt a nest through the Alabama Coastal Foundation at joinacf.org.  Nest adoptions fund Share the Beach volunteers and staff. Share the Beach, established in 2005, is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest on Alabama's beaches from May through October. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission by patrolling beaches, educating the public and school groups, conducting late-night nest observations, and assisting with supply and equipment preparations. 

Anyone who spots a nesting sea turtle, an injured turtle, or a distressed hatchling is urged to report it by calling 866-Sea-Turtle (866-732-8878).