When Do Sea Turtles Hatch On Pinellas Beaches? Our Sea Turtle Nesting Season is underway and runs through October 31st. Pinellas County is full of Loggerhead Turtles and you’l see nests along almost every beach From Honeymoon Island, Clearwater, Indian Rocks, to St Beach and Fort Desoto.
You would think “common sense” would keep people from disturbing the nests, and eggs. You would think. Clearwater Marine Aquarium monitors our beach at Indian Shores and works all the way up to Clearwater Beach. They mark and often “cage” nests to keep them safe. If you discover a new nest – injured or dead sea turtles, please contact the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at 888-239-9414.
Please do not disturb any nesting Sea Turtles or their hatchlings. But, you know that already, right? Here’s where that “common sense” thing pops up again ; ) The eggs in each nest usually incubate for 50 to 60 days before hatching.
Do Not Touch Or Pick Up Hatchlings
Hatchlings use starlight and moonlight reflecting off the water to find their way to the ocean. If they become misled by artificial light, they can become disoriented and die.
There Is A Law
Our Beach town, Indian Shores has an updated turtle ordinance and has a “Leave No Trace” campaign. Code available under Sea Turtle Protection
