Navigating the Depths: A Dive into the World of Sea Turtles

by reservations@coastal30a.net

In the vast expanse of our oceans, few creatures capture the imagination quite like sea turtles.  These ancient mariners have traversed the seas for millions of years, emobdying resilience, grace, and mystery.  Let's embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of sea turtles.

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The Magnificent Seven:

 

There are seven recognized species of sea turtles.  From the massive leatherback to the petite Kemp's ridley, these species are distributed across the world's oceans, from tropical waters to the frigid seas of the Arctic.  

The two most common species of turtles in South Walton are Green Sea Turtles and Loggerheads. One of the best ways to tell the difference between a loggerhead and a green turtle is the head proportions.  Loggerheads have much larger heads in proportion to their bodies. 

Did you know that Green Sea Turtles aren't actually green?  Instead, they get their name from the layer of green fat they develop under their shells. Loggerheads are the largest hard-shell turtle in the world, second only to the leatherback turtle for largest turtle in the world.

Life in the Blue Realm:

Sea turtles lead remarkable lives, spending the majority of their existence at sea.  However, they return to coastal areas to nest, often traveling thousands of miles to reach their birth beaches with remarkable precision.  Nesting season is a critical time for these creatures.

Nesting season runs from March to October. For the 30A area, nesting season usually starts around May.

How can I Protect Sea Turtles?

As stewards of our planet, we all have a role to play in ensuring the survival of sea turtles and the health of our oceans,  Whether it's reducing our use of single-use plastics, supporting conservation initiatives, or advocating for stronger enviromental policies, every action counts.  

Check out the flyer from South Walton Turtle Watch on a few items we can do to help protect the Sea Turtles.