What is happening with the sea turtles at Gulf Islands National Seashore?
Four species of sea turtles historically nest along the coastal areas of Gulf Islands National Seashore, including the Kemps Ridley, Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback. Nesting generally takes place from May through October with peak activity occurring in the late June through July. To date there are eleven confirmed and documented sea turtle nests within the Seashore and the greater Pensacola Beach, FL area. Once confirmed a perimeter enclosure is established around each nest to clearly indicate its presence and maximize protection from oil spill assessment and clean-up operations that may need to take place in close proximity to the nest. The nest is then monitored on a regular basis by Park biologists and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. Under normal circumstances when hatching appears imminent, Park staff guide the emerging hatchlings toward the water. This year, due to the threat to hatchlings from exposure to oil, nests will be relocated to areas along the Atlantic, east coast of
