Sea Turtle Nests Abundant in 2013, Experts Say

More than 200 sea turtle nests have been identified along Pinellas beaches, giving hope that there will be a healthy population of hatchlings in 2013.

Volunteers from Clearwater Marine Aquarium are patrolling 26 miles of coastline that extends from Clearwater Beach to Sunset Beach on Treasure Island, according to TBO.com. 

Biologist Adrienne Cardwell told TBO.com: "We've already broken last year's record."

But does the large number of nests signal a comeback of the endangered sea turtle? It is much too early to tell. All of the nests are of loggerhead turtles.

In recent years, the number of nests has ranged from a low of 38 in 2007 to 196 in 2012. A total of 209 nests have been identified so far this summer.

The turtles hatch at night, and people who live nearby are encouraged to keep their lights dim so as not to disorient the hatchlings as they make a dash for the surf.

According to Coastal Management of Pinellas County:

Marine turtle nesting and hatching occurs each year from May 1st through October 31st.  Female turtles come ashore in the dark, dig a hole using their flippers, and lay 100 to 150 eggs at a time. During the course of a season, a single female lays three to eight nests. After a 45 to 70 day gestation period, hatchlings emerge from the nest at night and follow the moonlight reflecting off the Gulf.