Dauphin Island Guide to Protecting Our Sea Turtle Visitors

Sea turtle nesting season on Dauphin Island officially runs from May 1 through October 31, with peak nesting activity occurring June through August. During these six months, endangered loggerhead sea turtles and critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand, continuing a ritual that has occurred for millions of years. Understanding this timeline and how to protect these magnificent creatures is crucial for ensuring their survival for future generations.

The Species That Nest on Dauphin Island

Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta)

The most common nesting species on Dauphin Island, loggerheads typically weigh 200-350 pounds and have distinctive large heads that house powerful jaws for crushing shellfish. These threatened turtles nest every 2-3 years, laying 100-120 eggs per nest. Females usually create 3-5 nests per season, returning to the same general area where they were born decades earlier.

Loggerheads prefer beaches with moderate slopes and minimal light pollution. On Dauphin Island, they most frequently nest along the less developed western beaches and the protected areas near the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)

The world’s most endangered sea turtle occasionally nests on Dauphin Island, though sightings remain rare. These smaller turtles (75-100 pounds) are unique among sea turtles for their synchronized daytime nesting behavior, though individuals nesting outside their primary range in Mexico and Texas often nest at night like other species.

Any Kemp’s ridley nesting on Dauphin Island is particularly significant for conservation efforts, as it represents a range expansion for this critically endangered species, which recovered from near extinction in the 1980s.

Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

While green sea turtles rarely nest this far north in the Gulf, they occasionally appear on the beaches of Dauphin Island. Climate change and warming waters may increase green turtle nesting attempts in the coming years. These herbivorous turtles can be identified by their smooth shell and smaller head relative to body size.

The Nesting Timeline

May: Early Season Scouts

The first turtles typically appear in early May as water temperatures rise above 70°F. These early nesters are usually experienced females who have nested before. Nesting activity remains light, with perhaps 1-2 nests per week island-wide. Beach monitoring begins May 1 with trained volunteers walking beaches at dawn looking for tracks.

June: Activity Increases

Nesting picks up significantly in June as more females arrive. By mid-June, volunteers might find 3-5 new nests weekly. The summer solstice around June 21 marks the beginning of peak season, with the longest days providing optimal conditions for hatchlings to develop.

July: Peak Nesting

July sees the highest nesting activity, with new nests discovered almost daily during favorable conditions. The first nests from May begin approaching their 60-day incubation period. By late July, both nesting and hatching occur simultaneously, necessitating increased vigilance from conservation teams.

August: Peak Hatching

While nesting continues, August is primarily about hatching. Nests laid in June emerge throughout the month. This is when visitors are most likely to encounter hatchling tracks or even witness an emergence. Hot sand temperatures can accelerate development, sometimes reducing incubation to 45-50 days.

September: Late Season Activity

Nesting slows dramatically after Labor Day, though hatching continues from July and August nests. September storms can impact remaining nests, making protective measures critical. Water temperatures begin to cool, signaling the end of the nesting season.

October: Season Conclusion

The last nests typically hatch by mid-October, although volunteers continue to monitor through October 31. Any remaining marked nests receive extra protection from cooling temperatures. Final nest inventories help scientists track success rates and plan for next season.

Understanding the Nesting Process

The Arrival

Female sea turtles typically arrive at night during high tide, using the moon’s reflection on water for navigation. They emerge from the surf and crawl up the beach, sometimes traveling 100+ feet to find suitable nesting sites above the high tide line.

Site Selection

Turtles may crawl extensively, making several “false crawls” before selecting a site. They prefer areas with:

• Sand depth of at least 18 inches
• Minimal roots or debris
• Protection from high tide
• Some vegetation nearby for stability

Nest Construction

Using their rear flippers, females excavate a flask-shaped chamber about 18 inches deep. This process takes 20-40 minutes. They then deposit 80-120 leathery, ping-pong ball-sized eggs. After covering the nest and disguising the location by throwing sand, they return to the sea.

Incubation

Eggs incubate for 45-70 days depending on sand temperature. Warmer sand (above 85°F) produces more females; cooler sand (below 82°F) produces more males. This temperature-dependent sex determination makes climate change a significant concern for sea turtle populations.

Hatching and Emergence

Hatchlings typically emerge at night, 3-7 days after initially breaking through their shells. They work together, with movement triggering group activity. Once they reach the surface, they orient toward the brightest horizon – naturally the moon’s reflection on water.

How to Protect Nesting Turtles and Their Nests

Beach Lighting: The Most Critical Factor

Artificial lighting is the single greatest threat to nesting turtles and hatchlings on developed beaches. Both adults and hatchlings use natural light cues for navigation, and artificial lights cause disorientation.

For Beachfront Properties:

• Use amber or red LED bulbs (wavelengths less disturbing to turtles)
• Install shields directing light downward
• Close curtains and blinds facing the beach
• Turn off unnecessary lights after 9 PM during nesting season
• Motion sensors are better than constant lighting

For Beach Visitors:

• No flashlights on the beach after dark (May-October)
• No flash photography if you encounter a turtle
• No phone screens pointed seaward
• If you must have light, use red filters

Beach Furniture and Equipment

Daily Removal Requirements:

• All beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents must be removed by sunset
• Holes dug during the day must be filled
• Sand castles should be leveled
• Trash must be removed completely

These obstacles can trap nesting females or prevent hatchlings from reaching the water. A beach chair left overnight could mean death for dozens of hatchlings.

Pet Policies During Nesting Season

• Dogs must be leashed on all beaches during nesting season
• Clean up all pet waste immediately
• Don’t allow dogs to dig near marked nests
• Keep pets away from any turtle tracks or markings

If You Find a Nest or Tracks

Do:

• Report immediately to 1-866-SEA-TURTLE
• Take a photo from distance if possible
• Note the exact location
• Keep others away from the area

Don’t:

• Touch or dig up eggs
• Follow tracks to find the nest
• Place any markers yourself
• Post on social media with location details

Viewing Guidelines: How to Respectfully Observe

If You Encounter a Nesting Turtle

Finding a nesting sea turtle is a rare privilege requiring extreme respect:

1. Stop immediately – Do not approach closer than 30 feet
2. No lights – Turn off all lights and put away phones
3. Stay behind the turtle – Never position yourself between turtle and water
4. Remain silent – Noise can cause nest abandonment
5. No flash photography – Ever
6. Wait patiently – The process takes 1-2 hours
7. Let her return to water before leaving

Watching Hatchlings Emerge

If you’re fortunate enough to witness a hatching:

1. Do not touch hatchlings – It’s illegal and harmful
2. Clear a path – Remove any obstacles between nest and water
3. No lights – This cannot be overstated
4. Don’t “help” them to water – They need the crawl for development
5. Stand still – Let them pass around you
6. No flash photography – Use night mode without flash if you must document

Organized Turtle Watches

Share the Beach (Alabama’s sea turtle conservation organization) occasionally offers guided turtle watches when conditions align. These educational programs provide safe, legal opportunities to observe nesting or hatching while supporting conservation efforts.

The Role of Share the Beach Volunteers

Share the Beach Alabama coordinates all sea turtle conservation efforts on Dauphin Island. Their trained volunteers:

• Walk beaches daily at dawn looking for tracks
• Mark and protect confirmed nests
• Monitor nests throughout incubation
• Respond to disoriented hatchlings
• Educate the public
• Collect scientific data

Volunteers undergo extensive training and commit to walking assigned beach sections throughout the season. Their work has been instrumental in increasing nesting success rates from less than 30% to over 70% on some beaches.

Conservation Challenges and Climate Impact

Rising Temperatures

Climate change affects sea turtles in multiple ways:

• Warmer sand produces more females, skewing sex ratios
• Rising seas erode nesting beaches
• Stronger storms destroy more nests
• Changing currents affect food sources

Coastal Development

While Dauphin Island remains relatively undeveloped, any new construction must consider:

• Light pollution impacts
• Beach access for nesting turtles
• Preserving natural dune systems
• Maintaining dark beaches

Marine Debris

Turtles often mistake plastic for food, particularly bags resembling jellyfish. Beach cleanup efforts directly benefit sea turtles by:

• Removing ingestion hazards
• Clearing nesting obstacles
• Preventing entanglement
• Maintaining pristine nesting habitat

How You Can Help

During Your Visit

• Respect all marked nests and signs
• Remove beach furniture nightly
• Fill holes and level sand castles
• Pick up trash, even if not yours
• Use reusable items instead of single-use plastics
• Report any turtle activity to authorities

Long-term Support

• Volunteer with Share the Beach (training provided)
• Adopt a nest through conservation programs
• Support turtle-friendly lighting ordinances
• Educate others about conservation
• Participate in beach cleanups

For Property Owners

• Install turtle-friendly lighting
• Maintain natural vegetation
• Support dune restoration
• Join the “Turtle Friendly Property” program
• Educate renters about regulations

Success Stories and Future Outlook

Dauphin Island’s sea turtle conservation efforts show measurable success. Nesting numbers have increased from just a handful in the 1990s to 30-50 nests annually today. Hatchling success rates continue improving through better protection and public education.

The expansion of Kemp’s ridley nesting range to Alabama represents hope for this critically endangered species. Each successful nest on Dauphin Island contributes to global conservation efforts.

Climate change remains the greatest long-term threat, but community involvement provides optimism. Every protected nest, every turtle-friendly light installed, and every piece of trash removed makes a difference.

Frequently Violated Rules (And Their Importance)

• Flash Photography: Even one flash can disorient dozens of hatchlings. The few seconds of light can send them inland where they’ll die from exhaustion, predation, or dehydration.
• “Helping” Hatchlings: Hatchlings must crawl to the water themselves. The journey calibrates their internal compass and builds strength needed for swimming. Carrying them prevents proper imprinting.
• Unmarked Beach Furniture: A single chair can trap multiple hatchlings. They can’t climb over or navigate around obstacles, leading to exhaustion and death.
• White Lights on Beach: One porch light can disorient an entire nest of hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean toward certain death.

The Magic of Turtle Season

Despite the rules and restrictions, turtle nesting season adds magic to Dauphin Island summers. Knowing that prehistoric creatures choose these beaches for their next generation creates a connection to the natural world increasingly rare in modern life.

Morning beach walks might reveal turtle tracks resembling tractor treads in the sand. Evening strolls could encounter volunteers protecting a nest. Lucky observers might witness tiny hatchlings scrambling toward moonlit waves, beginning an incredible journey that might bring them back to these same beaches decades later.

Sea turtle nesting season reminds us that Dauphin Island belongs to more than just human visitors. By respecting and protecting these ancient mariners, we ensure future generations can experience the same wonder of sharing the beach with sea turtles.