07/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2025 08:55
After an early start to the nesting season, Perdido Key celebrated its first sea turtle hatch of the season Wednesday evening, July 16. 106 loggerhead hatchlings were confirmed entering the water, despite being disoriented by artificial lighting.
Nearly 60% of all turtle hatchlings will be disoriented by land-based lights, which can cause them to wander away from the water. Hatchlings that don't reach the water quickly risk dehydration, starvation and predation. Disoriented hatchlings can also stray onto busy roads, garages and swimming pools.
Permitted volunteers are trained in disoriented hatchling response and recovery, however, naturally dark beaches are the best assurance for ensuring hatchling turtles make it to the water where they belong.
Perdido Key is experiencing a near-record year with 12 nests, while Pensacola Beach is slightly below average at 13 nests. July remains a peak nesting month, with the bulk of hatchings expected in August and September.
Every hatchling counts! Help protect nesting sea turtles and other coastal wildlife by remembering:
If you see a nest hatching or encounter hatchlings turtles on the beach, stay a respectful distance away and call Escambia County Marine Resources at 850-281-5904.
For more information about sea turtles in Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/seaturtles. All sea turtle work performed by Escambia County was completed under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permits #032A, #202, #272, and #273.