Sea turtle nesting season has begun on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The first nest of the season for Orange Beach was discovered on the morning of May 30th. 

Sea turtles nesting on Alabama's beaches include the Loggerhead, Green sea turtle, and Kemp’s Ridley. These species are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Federal and state laws prohibit disturbing the nests, using flashlights, or even shining lights on the turtles, with penalties including fines and jail time​​.

Volunteers from the "Share the Beach" program play a crucial role in finding, monitoring and protecting these nests. They also educate the public on the importance of keeping beaches clean and reducing light pollution to prevent disorienting hatchlings. Hatchlings navigate to the gulf using the natural light reflected off the water, but artificial lights can lead them astray, making them vulnerable to predators, the highway or parking lots, and exhaustion​.

Our nesting season runs from May 1 through October 31, and efforts are in place to ensure the safety and survival of these ancient creatures. The community is encouraged to participate in conservation efforts by reporting sightings and nests to the Sea Turtle Hotline and adhering to beach regulations​.

For more information about Alabama’s Sea Turtles, visit the Alabama Coastal Foundation.