A Sea Turtle Just Made History Nesting on a California Beach

Sea turtles are making history in California. Read on for the details of the first recorded natural sea turtle nesting on the West Coast, and what could be

Sea Turtle Observed Laying Eggs on Southern California Beach

An olive ridley sea turtle was recently observed laying eggs on a beach in Orange County, California. The observation marks the first recorded natural sea turtle nesting on the West Coast. The nest was found near Seal Beach on September 16. Huntington Beach Fire Department Marine Safety lifeguards took action to protect the nest by building a perimeter around the turtle.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were informed about the spotting so that they could further monitor the area. It was just a few days later that NOAA reported that a sea turtle was observed on the beach a few miles from the Huntington Beach Pier.

The average incubation period of an olive ridley sea turtle is 45 to 60 days. The nest is now fenced off, and people are being told to avoid this part of the beach.

Adult olive ridley sea turtles typically grow between 2.5 and 3 feet long and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Protected under the Endangered Species Act, the turtles can live up to 50 years.

What is Responsible for the Sea Turtle Traveling This Far North?

The Aquarium of the Pacific said that it is likely that El Niño has played a part in the rare sighting. Aquarium officials said, "It is not known why these turtles chose Southern California beaches as nesting sites, but it indicates an important historical change that could have long-term implications for the species and for local sea turtle management and protection." The statement also detailed that "The behavior of these turtles was probably influenced, at least in part, by the incoming El Niño, along with the recent tropical storm, range expansion, or perhaps navigational mistakes."

This type of turtle can be found in the warm tropical waters across the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Indian oceans. According to NOAA, "Major Pacific nesting populations span Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. While occasionally seen in Southern California following warm currents, this species has never been documented to nest in the United States."

Peak nesting season for these sea turtles in Mexico runs between July and December, making the timing of this nest right on schedule. Officials with the Aquarium of the Pacific detailed that it is possible that more turtles could nest along the Southern California coastline. The aquarium advises people to be on the lookout for turtle tracks in the sand.

NOAA Fisheries also added that beachgoers can report sea turtle sightings using the agency's sighting submission form. Should you come across a stranded turtle, it is important to call the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Stranding Hotline so that experts can assess the situation.

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