Researchers Discover Unprecedented Number Of Sea Turtle Nests In Northern Palm Beach County

July 31, 2023

Researchers have uncovered a record number of sea turtle nests in the pristine shores of northern Palm Beach County, Florida.

According to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, 21,406 nests have been documented this year.

The nonprofit sea turtle hospital said the previous record was set in 2019.

"With another 3 months to go, this year's nesting count has beaten our previous record set in 2019, totaling 20,998 nests," the organization said on Friday.

The nesting area includes Juno Beach, Jupiter-Carlin and Tequesta. The season runs from March 1 through Oct. 31.

“We are so excited to break this all-time nesting record and can't wait to see if each sea turtle species breaks its individual record," Dr. Justin Perrault, vice president of research at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, said in the news release.

He credited environmental protection practices for the increased numbers.

The total number of sea turtle nests include 14,998 loggerhead nests, 6,768 green turtle nests and 215 leatherback nests.