Sea turtle nesting season shows promise in Lee County despite challenges

Sea turtle nesting season on Fort Myers Beach is showing promising results, with the latest nest discovered this morning belonging to a 40-inch loggerhead sea turtle that laid over 100 eggs, according to Ranger Rob Howell.

"They are absolutely vital. They're essentially a keystone species," Howell said.

The sandy beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands, known for their blue waters, seashells, and soft sand, provide an ideal breeding ground for sea turtles. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation patrols these islands and keeps count of the nests.

New numbers released on Tuesday show 456 loggerhead nests have been tracked so far this season, which is more than at this time last year. Additionally, four green sea turtle nests have been marked. On Lighthouse Beach, two nests can be seen side by side.

Kharter Hock, visiting from Pennsylvania, described the nesting process: "That they will dig up in the sand and they will lay their eggs, but they put the sand back so they get protected."

Despite the positive numbers, sea turtles face threats even before their hatchlings emerge. Predators, high tides, and human interference pose significant risks.

"So if you see a sea turtle nesting, stay 30, 50 feet away, never use a flashlight, never use a flash on your camera. Those things will disorient her, and they could self-abort in the water. We don't want that to happen," Howell said.

Officials reported that coyotes have destroyed 53 nests this season, compared to 38 at this point last year. Last week's high tide also washed out 19 nests.

Sea turtle nesting season runs from March 1 through October 31.